Shaikh Sultan Bilal, a lecturer and leader at the Al Fateh Grand Mosque, joined Naval Support Activity Bahrain's own Muslim chaplain, Commanding Officer Capt. Cory Howes and more than 90 other guests for an observance of the breaking of the fast during Ramadan, June 21.

"Fasting ... is one of the five pillars of Islam," said Bilal. "Our body is composed and consists of three elements -- the physical part, the spiritual part and the mental part -- so you have to fast physically, spiritually, and mentally."

During Ramadan, iftar is the meal that breaks the fast after sundown. It is a time for family and fellowship, and personnel from all backgrounds were able to gather for this traditional meal at NSA Bahrain.

The event was organized by Lt. Haneef Mubarak, a Navy chaplain, and one of only two Muslim chaplains in the U.S. Navy.

It began with the introduction of Bilal as a religious and community leader in Bahrain. Bilal has been Imam of the Grand Mosque in East Riffa for 13 years and is a network administrator and head of The Free Trade Union with the Bahrain Petroleum Company (Bapco). He is also involved with several Islamic cultural centers in Bahrain, appears on television in the region, and has lectured throughout the world.

Those who have taken the NSA Bahrain Fleet and Family Support Center's cultural tour were likely introduced to Bilal at the Al Fateh Grand Mosque. During the tour, Bilal demonstrates the recitation of the Quran, and he recited several verses before the breaking of the fast at NSA Bahrain, followed by a generous meal for those who came to hear him speak and share in the event.

Mohamed Fairoozaddin, a Bahraini employee working with NSA Bahrain's environmental department, performed the athan (call to prayer) before Bilal led the Maghrib Salah (after sunset prayer) just after the day's fast was broken with dates and water.

"We hold fast out of obedience and we break fast out of obedience," said Bilal.

Bilal presented the Quran to Howes, who accepted it on behalf of NSA Bahrain, before the two sat down to the meal together. Those who partook of iftar were treated to a variety of culinary delights, including a traditional Arabic dish called hareesa.

"While we thoroughly enjoy the time of iftar; iftar is more than about the food," said Mubarak. "It is a time to enjoy the company of friends, neighbors, family, and express concern for the needy in one's community. Providing iftar is an extremely rewarding religious act in Islam."

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