Carthage students experience hospitality and generosity at iftar dinners
On March 21-23, toward the end of the holy month of Ramadan, Carthage College students in the Understandings of Religion (honors section) and Islam courses participated in several home iftar (fast-breaking) dinners with Turkish families in Chicago.
The students also witnessed the hosts’ rendition of the adhan (call to prayer), signaling the iftar time and their performance of the evening prayer. The night was filled with culture, religion, food, and laughter, and the students appreciated being pushed out of their comfort zones and sharing conversations and meals with people they most likely would have never met.
The Abrahams’ Table initiative, organized by the Niagara Foundation, is designed to bring together Muslim families and individuals with non-Muslim guests to share a meal and break the fast together, fostering interfaith and intercultural dialogue and understanding.
With an estimated population of 1.8 billion followers, Islam is the world’s second-largest religious tradition after Christianity. Still, more than half of Americans say they know little or nothing about Islam and Muslims. The study of Islamic traditions is exceptionally vital in academia because it reminds us that Muslims are a part of the society in which we live.
Student reflections:
“I have learned about Islam and Turkey before in a textbook, but that is incomparable to physically experiencing part of the culture and getting to authentically speak to Turkish Americans. So much was learned about Islam in just one evening, and I am confident I will remember the details of our conversations for years. The last big takeaway I had from this experience was never to turn down an opportunity, even if it is out of my comfort zone.” — Janie Clifton ’28
“After visiting the Cultural Society, we were welcomed into the […] home. From the moment we walked inside, I could feel the sense of joy and invitation they had as they generously hosted us…The father told us a saying in the Islamic faith that has stuck with me. He said that when guests come to visit, they bring ten blessings with them. When they leave, they take one and leave the other nine. In this way, we were actually blessing them and not the other way around. I was amazed at how much work they put in for us, and yet they were able to see us as a blessing.” — Lilia Hackert ’26
“Although our discussions about religion showed our differences, our host also shared experiences that showed how similar we all were…Based on this experience, I’d be willing to do more like this because I think it really opened my mind about other cultures.” — Darah Hankins’27
“From seeing the intricate designs of Turkish china to witnessing the breaking of the fast during iftar, every moment was an opportunity to learn, observe, and appreciate the balance between tradition and personal expression. This experience not only allowed me to understand different cultures, but it also reminded me of the values of kindness, community, and shared experiences across multiple religions.” — Addison Hunter ’27
“This experience led me to one belief — that we (meaning Americans or Christians) are not that different from them. From the familiar interior designs in Turkish society, to the host family’s house, to their food and drink, to their mannerisms and routines inside their lives — it is all very similar…This was a great time, and I wish I could have stayed longer Friday night.” — Maxwell Schmitt ’26
“I found the overall experience to be as welcoming as promised, and particularly felt as though I gained a better sense for the Islam and other religions, culture in relation to Islam, and concrete practices of modern Muslims…I found a lot of beauty in the religious teachings and practices that I otherwise would have missed.” — John Cargille ’25
“One thing I found extremely interesting was that the family taught their children about other religions, especially Christianity and Judaism so that they might better understand people in their lives and understand Islam on a deeper level. As someone who grew up Christian, this concept was new to me, and from my experience, teaching about other religions is looked down upon in Christianity. I think this act is commendable, and I especially found this interesting because our culture typically views Islam as being a stricter religion.” — Ryan Holmer ’25
“This experience was more than just a dinner; it was an opportunity to immerse myself in a culture that was both distinct and profoundly welcoming. As a student of an Islam [class], this encounter provided invaluable context to my studies, reinforcing that religion is not just about doctrine but also about lived experiences, traditions, and human connections. It reminded me of the importance of open-mindedness and the beauty of learning from others. As I left the host family’s home, I felt a profound sense of gratitude — not only for the delicious food, but for the meaningful conversations and the hospitality extended to us.” — Joseph Monnig ’26
Sponsoring Department, Office, or Organization:
Religion Department