From Evening Runs to Ramadan: The Story of Our Wednesday Iftars
Outside of Ramadan, our Orlando Muslim Run Club hosts community-led runs throughout Central Florida on Wednesday evenings. We initially planned to pause these gatherings for the month, until one of our pace leaders, Br. Tarek Amr, suggested replacing them with weekly potluck iftars — the meal eaten at sunset to break the fast. The idea was simple: create a welcoming space for everyone to eat together. Alhamdulilah (all praise is to Allah), this idea grew into something much more. Families who had spent years in Orlando prior to the start of Outdoorsy Muslims expressed how meaningful it was to finally have a warm, safe community space to spend Ramadan together. Each week became a melting pot of people from all walks of life — diverse backgrounds, different ages, newcomers to the community, and long-time residents.
To reflect on the experience, we spoke with Br. Tarek, who led this initiative throughout Ramadan.
What does iftar with Outdoorsy Muslims mean to you?
“It means joy and happiness. I have attended many iftars hosted by masjids and residential communities under different umbrellas. This Ramadan experience with Outdoorsy Muslims has been unique and beautiful.”
What makes iftar with Outdoorsy Muslims unique?
“You feel the unity and the welcoming spirit of Islam. Whether attendees bring a dish to share or not, the most important thing is their presence. We try to give every member of our community the feeling of a warm hug in Ramadan. We are surrounded by love, barakah (blessings), and people who make you feel seen and celebrated. This is not just an iftar. It is a moment of belonging — a place where your story matters and a night where your soul feels at home.”
We thank Br. Tarek and the volunteers behind the scenes for their efforts in planning these weekly iftars. Three beautiful gatherings were hosted, each week was taken up a notch. A space open to everyone where cultural dishes were shared, friends and families met, and barriers were non-existent. Until next Ramadan, we thank you for joining us and making these iftars special.