LIEDEN, Netherlands, October 31, 2005 (IslamOnline.net) – Despite its relatively short-term existence, the annual Iftar in the Dutch university town of Leiden, organised by a Muslim student society, has grown out to become an important community event, bringing Muslims and non-Muslims from all over the Netherlands to share an evening of culture, togetherness and, of course, a delicious meal.

This year's gathering, held Sunday October 30, was the fourth edition of the event, attracting many visitors.

"Sincere Hearts" -- the Muslim students society of Leiden -- saw the light of day only four years ago when a number of students of Arabic Language and Culture felt the need to bring Muslims and non-Muslims closer in an informal environment rather than the usual context of lectures and debate.

The increased cultural tensions brought about by last year's murder of controversial film-director Theo van Gogh and the subsequent political and media frenzy, the need for such a meeting place was ever more apparent this year.

The money raised through selling tickets for the Iftar (fast-breaking meal) is donated to Islamic Relief.

This year also saw the country's first 'Ramadan Festival' with iftars, lectures, dialogues and other events organised around the country to bring Muslims and non-Muslims together.

A volunteer prepares the food for Iftar.

“We try to attain a reduction of the gap and to create an environment in which solidarity can develop", Firdaous, a student of Islamic Studies and one of the organisers of this year's Sincere Hearts Iftar, told IslamOnline.net Monday, October 31.

"In addition to building bridges between Muslims and non-Muslims, the Iftar is also a highly beneficial event for the local Muslim community; the event runs completely on volunteers and many local companies and shops owned by Muslims sponsor the event through funding and by providing food.

"In this way local community bonds are strengthened while money is collected for Muslims in development countries.

“Thanks to the generous donations of individual sponsors, we have been able to donate the money collected through the ticket-sale to Islamic Relief”.

Throughout the evening, visitors were entertained with a program tailored to a diverse audience. An inspirational lecture about the significance of Ramadan was delivered by a female student. Another student gave a mystical poetry recital and there was a performance by the local "annasheed" group.

Sincere Hearts' iftar event has been gaining steady popularity every year among Muslims as well as non-Muslims.

With Muslims becoming increasingly concerned with the role of their community in Dutch society, Firdaous expects this trend to continue.