Friendship & Gratitude: Ramadan Dinners

“Come as strangers, leave as friends.”

Every year during the sacred month of Ramadan, Sel and Angie Buyuksarac open their hearts—and their home—to hundreds of friends, neighbors, colleagues, and newcomers from all walks of life. What began in 2007 as a quiet, personal expression of faith and hospitality has blossomed into one of Jacksonville’s most beloved interfaith and intercultural traditions.

The Spirit of Ramadan: A Feast for the Soul

Fasting in Ramadan is more than abstaining from food and drink. It is a sacred discipline that calls us to reflect, soften our hearts, and lower our egos. Ramadan invites us into a space of empathy, self-purification, and spiritual connection—with God, ourselves, and one another.

“Fasting is a shield… So when one of you is fasting, let him not speak evil or act ignorantly. If someone insults him, let him say: I am fasting.”
— Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

Each year, Sel and Angie welcome over 350 guests into their home and their hearts. The evening begins with warmth, laughter, and storytelling. As the sun sets, guests gather for a potluck-style meal, lovingly prepared by the community.

“Eat together and do not eat separately, for the blessing is in being together.”
“The best of you are those who feed others and return greetings.”
“He is not a believer whose stomach is filled while the neighbor to his side goes hungry.”
— Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

Expanding the Table: Community Partnerships

In 2017, Sel and Angie extended their tradition beyond their home, making room for more hearts to be touched. They have collaborated with trusted local organizations to offer public iftars that bring together people across faiths, cultures, and neighborhoods.

Community Iftar Milestones

  • Since 2022: Community Iftar with 904WARD – Promoting racial healing and civic dialogue.
  • 2023: Experience Ramadan with WJCT Public Media – Transforming a news studio into a beacon of hospitality.
  • Since 2024: Ramadan at the Museum with MOSH – Blending tradition and education.

Ongoing Partners: Atlantic Institute, GlobalJax, OneJax.

More to Come: New partners and venues are on the horizon as this mission expands across Northeast Florida and beyond.

“In a world that often tries to divide us, we choose to unite—through food, faith, and friendship.”

As Sel often says: “Come as strangers, leave as friends.”