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"Ramadan….in the best time to get to know each other and work in a loving environment for the sake of Allah," Hoisan (C) told IOL.
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Bucharest — Romania's new Muslims are taking a central role during the holy fasting month of Ramadan, offering iftar meals and building bridges with fellow Muslims.
"This is the first time in Romania when reverts are directly in charge with activities for Ramadan," Robert Hoisan, the Bucharest representative of the Muslim Association of Romania, told IslamOnline.net.
"For example, in this Ramadan, we are organizing evening meals for breaking the daily fast in different places inside the country."
Hoisan and his colleague Dan Michi want to offer as many iftars as possible.
"Wherever there is a group of 3 to 4 Muslims, inshallah, we want to be there, together with our brothers and sisters," he said.
"Some of us are already helping in sharing iftars within the big cities where thousands of Muslims are living, cities like Constanta for example.
"But our own strategy as young Romanian Muslims is to share iftars in some of the small cities as well."
In Ramadan, adult Muslims, save the sick and those traveling, abstain from food, drink, smoking and sex between dawn and sunset.
Muslims dedicate their time during the holy month to become closer to Allah through prayer and self-restraint.
"Ramadan is a tremendous blessing for the one who fasts and also the best time to get to know each other and work in a loving environment for the sake of Allah," Hoisan said.
"In our hearts it’s indeed great joy and happiness because in the month of Ramadan we are making our connection with Allah even stronger."
Networking
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The Muslim Association of Romania is offering free iftar meals.
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The Muslim Association of Romania is trying to network with all Muslims in the European country.
"I should say we started by making a list of Romanian reverts to Islam and by getting in touch with every one of them," said Hoisan.
"We invite them to the masjid. We organize meetings and discuss the future of the Muslim community from our point of view."
The Muslim activist underlined the importance of getting to know more about one's new faith.
"The holy Quran and the teaching of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) must be a central point in every aspect of our life.
"This is why we are trying to learn as much as we can so we can share our knowledge with new Muslims or with any person interested in Islam," said Hoisan.
"Taking that in consideration, we are constantly inviting Romanian converts to the masjid and with the help of local imams Islamic lessons are taking place weekly."
He noted that sermons and lectures are being given on a daily basis during Ramadan.
Members of the Muslim Association are planning a special trip to the city of Ploiesti near Bucharest to help a new Muslim with disabilities.
"He sent us a letter asking for help in learning Islam better. Inshallah, we will go soon, give him books and show him the love we all must show to our brothers and sister in need," said Hoisan.
"This Ramadan is also special because we notice that more and more people enter Islam here in Romania."
There are some 70,000 Muslims in Romanian, mostly hailing from Turkey and Albania. They make up two percent of the country’s 22 million population.
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