November 12 , 2004

MGH observes Ramadan

In the spirit of unity and community building, the Patient Care Services Diversity
Steering Committee, the Chaplaincy Department and MGH Muslim staff organized an Iftar dinner — the breaking of the fast during the holy month of Ramadan — Oct. 27. The MGH community celebrated with Muslim patients, family members, staff and friends, along with Jeanette Ives Erickson, RN, MS, senior vice president of Patient Care Services and chief nurse, and Peter L. Slavin, MD, president of the MGH.

During Ramadan, which began at sundown Oct. 15, healthy Muslim adults and many children fast from dawn until sunset for 29 or 30 days. Also during Ramadan, Muslims perform good deeds such as offering additional prayers, giving to more charities, improving family relations and helping the poor and the sick. The purpose of the fasting tradition is for Muslims to acquire self-control, discipline, generosity and God-consciousness by eliminating impurities from the body.

During Ramadan, group prayers will take place in the Muslim prayer room in Founders 409. For more information regarding prayer times or to learn more about Ramadan, send e-mail to teid@partners.org or fpathan@partners.org.