Excerpt:
Patrick Nervig relished a big bite of steaming yellow rice and spiced lamb — and crossed a religious divide. Tuesday marked the first time the lifelong Lutheran had attended an iftar, the meal ending the daily fast for Muslims during Ramadan, which began Monday at sundown.
A Muslim co-worker hosted the iftar for about 20 people at his apartment complex in Woodbury. The fact that nearly half the guests were non-Muslims illustrates the growing acceptance of Islam as more Muslims make Minnesota their home.
From participating in iftar meals to touring mosques to joining the fasts, more Christians and other non-Muslims are taking part in events and activities tied to the sacred period of Ramadan, which continues through Aug. 7.