English - Medkulturni dialog

We kindly invite you to read this article on Ramadan, first published in 2022 at Dunaj instytut Dialogu

Ramadan is a time of unity and community. Gathering for the evening meal is one of the most common reasons people come together. During Ramadan, Muslims are encouraged more than at any other time to share their food and wealth with others, especially their neighbors. The rights of neighbors are strongly emphasized and respected in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad strongly recommended honoring these rights. Abu Dhar reports that the Messenger said: “When you cook soup, add more water to it, then look toward your neighbor’s house and take them some soup.”

When one of the Prophet’s companions said: “O Messenger of God, we eat, yet it does not fill us,” the Prophet replied: “Perhaps you eat separately?” They answered: “Yes!” He said: “Eat together and mention God’s name. Then there will be blessing in your food.”

In Islam, neighbors are encouraged to show mutual compassion—not only by sharing meals but also by exchanging gifts and greetings, and by sharing joys and sorrows. Because the concept of a “neighbor” is inclusive rather than exclusive, unity extends even to those who do not belong to the Muslim faith. Our neighbors include Christians and Jews alike. In Arabic, the word jaar (neighbor) applies to Muslims and non-Muslims, believers and atheists, friends and enemies, strangers and compatriots, the kind and the unkind, those living near and those living far away.

According to reports by Al-Uza‘i and Ibn Shihab in al-Bukhari’s collection of authentic traditions, a neighborhood comprises “forty houses in every direction (right, left, front, and back).” Ali ibn Talib, the Prophet Muhammad’s son-in-law and the fourth caliph, said: “Whoever hears the same call to prayer is a neighbor.” Some Muslim scholars state that anyone living in the same city or village is a neighbor. This view is based on a verse from the Qur’anic chapter Al-Ahzab(33:60).

The tradition of good neighborly relations between Muslims and Christians or Jews is affirmed by Islamic teachings as well as by history. For centuries, in many parts of the Muslim world, Christians and Jews—called People of the Book in the Qur’an—lived peacefully alongside Muslims, knowing that their lives, honor, and property were safe. They enjoyed religious freedom, good neighborly relations, and fair treatment. Their numerous places of worship, still standing on hilltops surrounded by thousands of Muslim homes, bear witness to this history.

Historical accounts tell us that the Prophet Muhammad encouraged kindness toward Christians and Jews. On his deathbed, the Prophet told Umar: “I entrust to you the People of the Book—Christians and Jews.”
And when Umar himself was dying after being stabbed, he warned: “I entrust to you the minorities living among us. Fear God regarding them and act justly toward them.”

Ramadan is a fruitful month that promotes peace, unity, and understanding of fellow human beings, especially non-Muslims. Ramadan dinners organized at the time of breaking the fast bring families and communities together. This aspect of Ramadan unites people of faith, and the presence of representatives of different religions in such a warm and friendly atmosphere creates an exceptional opportunity for interfaith dialogue.

Interfaith dialogue is the outcome of bringing together people of different backgrounds to transcend the boundaries that otherwise separate them. Conflicts between religious groups arise from a lack of mutual understanding and knowledge of one another. When people meet and have the chance to get to know each other, they discover that far more things connect them than divide them. This realization nurtures love—and love brings peace to our world.

By engaging in dialogue, Christians, Jews, and Muslims uncover many similarities among themselves, including shared holy scriptures. In Islam, the Torah and the Gospel originate from God, and the Qur’an confirms and completes their teachings. As mentioned earlier, the Qur’an refers to Christians and Jews as People of the Book. Abraham, who is mentioned many times in the Qur’an, is presented as an example to follow. His teachings inspire unity among the followers of the Abrahamic faiths.

The Qur’an includes several examples of Abraham’s hospitality and openness, serving as guidance for believers on how to welcome others: “Has the story of Abraham’s honored guests reached you? They entered and said, ‘Peace be upon you.’ He replied, ‘Peace be upon you—unknown people!’ He then quietly went to his family and brought a roasted calf. He placed it before them and said, ‘Will you not eat?’ When he saw that they did not eat, he became afraid. They said, ‘Do not fear!’ And they brought him the glad tidings of a knowledgeable son.” (Qur’an 51:24–28)

In recent years, many institutes and foundations for interfaith dialogue have organized Ramadan dinners attended by representatives of various religions. Positive feedback from participants demonstrates the great potential of this tradition to build unity, harmony, and understanding among people of all faiths. Many emphasized that Ramadan dinners offer an extraordinary opportunity for interfaith dialogue.
Dr. Whitney Bodman of Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary said at one such dinner hosted by the Institute of Interfaith Dialogue (IID): “We need to learn more about one another… and that is the essence of our dialogue. But it is also about bringing healing, beauty, and grace into the world. Let it be so.”
Dr. Donald S. Nesti, director of the Center for Faith and Culture at St. Thomas University, highlighted shared roots in “Abraham and Muhammad” and in “Jesus, the son of Mary.” Dr. William Martin, head of the Department of Sociology at Rice University, moved by the sense of unity he experienced, said: “…It meant so much to me to see people in their religious setting, to see the warmth and kindness of people with whom I previously thought I shared nothing—yet our hopes are so similar.”

Ramadan is one; Ramadan is unity
Ramadan is the month of God, a wellspring of blessings and a time of peace.
Ramadan is a fountain on the road through the desert, a staircase to the stars and a gate to heaven.
Ramadan is the beloved month, awaited eleven months each year.
Ramadan is a beautiful hand that turns the entire world into a chapel.
Ramadan meals are a force that unites humanity.
Ramadan is a lighthouse in the darkness of the oceans, the sun that drives away darkness.
Through Ramadan, the sun shines across continents and protects the blessed people of the whole world.
If you reach Ramadan, wash your heart and soul in its garden, renew your promise and draw new strength…

We invite you to explore more posts about our activities in the field of interfaith dialogue HERE. To learn more about our Ramadan and our Association’s activities during this holy month, click HERE.

The 2nd Intercultural Dialogue Discussion, Dialogue Talks, took place on 22 January in Budapest.

The second evening of the Dialogue Talks series took place at the John Wesley Theological College in Budapest and was dedicated to ethnically conditioned polarization. Experts from four countries discussed how social boundaries between communities are shaped through exclusion, stereotypes, and everyday subtle signals that determine who is “inside” and who remains “outside.”

The author of the report, Mária Kostyálová, among other points, summarized that sociologist Miklós Szabó emphasized that polarization begins at the moment when a person becomes a category—when society uses identity as a label of otherness. Writer Carlos Pascual pointed out that identity often reflects changes in society rather than in the individual, and raised the question of whether a person can truly feel at home somewhere. Theologian Pavol Bargár explained that ethnic identity is deeply emotional and therefore vulnerable, and that religion can function both as a source of division and as a space for reconciliation. Jozef Žuffa highlighted that dialogue is прежде all an inner attitude—the willingness to see a person beyond stereotypes and to give them space to be heard.

We also reported on the event in Budapest on our website. You can read our summary HERE.

On Sunday, 8 February, we once again set off on the Prešeren’s Hike

On Prešeren Day, we went on a cultural walk that brought together participants from diverse national and cultural backgrounds. The walk was professionally guided and co-created by Prof. Dr. Aleksander Bjelčevič and Prof. Dr. Miran Hladnik from the Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana, both renowned experts in early Slovenian literature and Slovenian history.

The programme took place in nature and in the village surroundings between Žirovnica and Vrba, the birthplace of Slovenia’s greatest poet, Dr France Prešeren. Over approximately five hours, we walked 12 kilometres. By combining literature, history, and walking, the event created an open, relaxed, and accessible learning environment. During the walk, we explored major Slovenian literary figures such as France Prešeren, Matija Čop, Fran Saleški Finžgar, and Janez Jalen within their historical, cultural, and social contexts.

MKD Association walking the Path of Slovene cultural heritage

Our participants had the opportunity to experience Slovenia, the Slovenian language, and its cultural heritage directly on site. As our association focuses on a key element of integration—language inclusion—we are proud that the entire programme was conducted in the Slovenian language.

We plan to organise the cultural walk on Prešeren Day again next year and to make it a permanent part of our association’s activities. We already warmly invite everyone from Slovenia and from other cultural backgrounds to join us in the future.

MKD Association at Janša’s beehive in Breznica

Join us for an organized hike on February 8th

We invite you to join us on February 8 for the traditional Prešeren Walk, which takes place each year in the surroundings of Vrba in the Gorenjska region in celebration of the Slovenian Cultural Day, commemorating the death of France Prešeren, Slovenia’s greatest poet.

Attending this annual hike has become a tradition for our Association. See the cultural hikes from the past years HERE.

The walk will follow a scenic route enriched with cultural and historical stops, offering an opportunity to reflect on the rich heritage of the area while spending the day together in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, inspired by Slovenian culture.

Our program:

9:00 – gathering of participants and a brief introduction to the day
9:15–10:00 – visit to Čop’s House
10:00–10:45 – coffee break
10:45–12:15 – walking along paths and meadows with a short stop at Janša’s Beehive along the way
12:30–13:15 – visit to Finžgar’s House
13:30 – conclusion of the hike

Important information:
Hiking or comfortable walking shoes are required, as part of the route includes a short uphill section with an elevation gain of approximately 40–50 meters and a duration of about 30 minutes. The walk will take place even in case of rain, so participants are advised to bring appropriate footwear, a raincoat, and an umbrella.

We look forward to celebrating the Cultural Day together through nature, movement, shared conversation, and remembrance of one of Slovenia’s greatest poets.

For more information and to apply to this free event, send us a message:

info@mdia.org

On World Hijab Day, members of our Association also shared their experiences with the media

The day before World Hijab Day, which is observed on February 1, the news portal N1 published an article by journalist Urška Mlinarič, who interviewed three members of our Intercultural Dialogue Association for it. All three wear the hijab in Slovenia and shared their stories and feelings about it.

Seda, Azra and Nesrin being interviewed for N1 news portal.
Photo: Jan Gregorc/N1

Excerpt from the article:

“It is not right to judge people based on their clothing or what they wear on their head. What matters is what kind of person someone is, whether they adhere to fundamental human values such as kindness, honesty, and compassion,” say Azra, Seda, and Nesrin, three Muslim women living in Slovenia who have decided to wear the headscarf as a symbol of their faith. Just because of one piece of clothing, they have faced a range of prejudices, including when looking for a job, not just on the street. One of them was even rejected by her family. We talked about the reasons they chose to wear the headscarf, how they cope with insults, attacks, and what wearing the headscarf means to them, ahead of World Hijab Day, which has been celebrated globally for twelve years.

You can read the entire article in Slovene at THIS LINK.

We celebrated the World Hijab Day for the first time with a special feature on our website and social media. You may check it out HERE.

You can view other appearances of our Intercultural Dialogue Association in various media HERE.

We celebrathe the World Hijab day on February 1st

Today we celebrate World Hijab Day. The hijab is a head covering worn by Muslim women around the world. Discussions about headscarves and shawls are always accompanied by questions of free choice, dignity, and respect for diversity. For many women worldwide, the hijab is not merely a piece of clothing, but an expression of faith, identity, and a personal journey. Every story is different, every decision is personal.

On the occasion of World Hijab Day, we have decided to share the stories of five women—Muslim women—who feel empowered by wearing their head covering. We are sharing these stories in the spirit of interfaith dialogue.

We believe that this day, within the Slovenian public space, offers an opportunity to reflect on acceptance, understanding, and coexistence in a diverse society. Open dialogue, listening to the experiences of others, and respect for religious freedom are the foundations of an inclusive community in which everyone has the right to be who they are.

We invite you to read five testimonies of women from different cultural backgrounds and with different life stories.

Azra

I first dreamed about the hijab for two years. I still get pleasant goosebumps when I think about it. I come from a Slovenian–Montenegrin family, yet the attitude toward covering among my Montenegrin relatives was very negative. I covered myself in 2007, when I was 30 years old.

I put on the headscarf for the first time at a special event during Eid al-Adha. My friend from Turkey, who had been teaching me about Islam, began to cry with happiness when she saw me wearing the hijab. From that day on, I never took it off again.

During the 6 years of living in Turkey with my husband and children, I wore the headscarf in the way Turkish women do. When I returned to Slovenia, I noticed that the atmosphere had changed significantly. I experienced very negative reactions and confrontations. I must admit that, as a result, I changed my style and now cover myself differently.

The hijab is not just a symbol of Islam; for me, it represents faith in my God. It represents fundamental values and my devotion to God.

I leave the choice to my daughters. When they were growing up in Turkey, I naturally wished that they would cover themselves. In Slovenia, in the current situation, this is difficult. At home, we always emphasize the importance of values, and every day I am proud of them for the decisions they are already making.

Sally

I am very happy to be able to share my story. This is not an easy topic, especially in Slovenia, where we mostly talk about negative experiences. I grew up in Egypt, where there is no discrimination and no coercion—at least I did not experience that in my family. My mother put on the hijab when she was older than 40. I wanted to start wearing it in high school, but my mother told me that I might not be ready. She advised me to wait a little longer, even though I told her that I felt I wanted to wear it.

I therefore started wearing the hijab at university; I remember it was the first day of Ramadan. I had many friends who also wore headscarves, as well as many who did not. In Egypt, the hijab is not a difficult decision because there is no societal pressure. It is also worth mentioning that public spaces are adapted for women who cover themselves: women-only beaches, gyms, and fitness centers with women-only hours.

The hijab does not represent a burden for me. It has become part of my identity. When I moved to Slovenia with my husband and children, I received many comments such as, “Why don’t you take off your headscarf now that you are in Europe?”

These questions hurt me because I see the misconception among people who believe that Muslim women are forced into this. Despite all the challenges I face here with wearing the hijab, I still feel empowered.

Although I could talk about many reactions—or at least the staring—that I noticed at the beginning outside in publice spaces in Slovenia, I am proud to observe that the hijab also brings me positive interactions. Other Muslim women greet me with a smile, and sometimes I receive a greeting like “Ramadan Mubarak,” which truly makes me happy.

My style of wearing the hijab has, of course, changed a lot since my teenage years in Egypt. In Egypt, I tied it in a traditional Egyptian way, then for several years in Dubai in a different way, and now again differently here in Slovenia.

I have two daughters. Because I had the freedom of choice while growing up, I believe this must apply to every girl and woman. The hijab is not just a piece of fabric. It is a great responsibility, and you have to be strong enough for it. My daughters will always have the freedom to make this decision on their own. The hijab comes as a package with other feelings and faith that you truly have to feel. It is a special bond with God. When you are ready for this step, everything is possible. The decision to wear the hijab must never be made under pressure. My daughters have and will always have my full support, whatever their decision may be.

Seda

I started wearing the hijab when I turned 12 years old. My classmates also wore the hijab and I liked it. I felt good, and that is why I started wearing a headscarf. I went shopping for colorful scarves with my mother. Every day I wore a different color. The hijab is part of my Turkish and Muslim identity.

Today I am a mother of two daughters, so I no longer have as much time for fashion. I no longer own many patterns, but I still feel good wearing the hijab. With less striking colors, I also do not want to attract too much attention. I never have a “bad hair day.” I do not need to spend time on hairstyles to impress others, yet I can still feel comfortable and well put together. This does not mean that I do not take time for self-care. With the demanding pace I have with children and work, the hijab saves me time and ensures my comfort.

I believe it will not be easy for my daughters to start wearing the hijab here in Slovenia. Maybe when they are older. That will be their choice. All I can do is set an example.

I am glad that I can share my story on World Hijab Day.

Nesrin

I first put on the hijab at the age of 16. Even before that, I had wanted to wear a headscarf for several years. I felt that it would help me grow closer to God. I do not have sisters, so my only role model was my mother. My family never forced me to wear the hijab. Many of my aunts, for example, did not wear it.

In my final year of university, a ban on the hijab was introduced in academic spaces and all public government institutions. I decided to wear the hijab everywhere except during lectures at the university. After I graduated, I still felt pressure even in private companies due to political attitudes toward wearing the hijab. As a result, I did not wear a headscarf for several years.

I married a man who knew that I wanted to wear the headscarf. I chose a partner with whom I share the same values and faith in God.

After a few years, I found a job where this pressure was no longer present, and since then I have not taken off my headscarf.

Wearing the hijab is my path. At times, I experience it as a greater challenge because of social pressure, both in Slovenia and in Turkey. Although the choice to wear the hijab is not easy, I do so because of my faith in God.

When I get ready at home and prepare to go out, I enjoy choosing color combinations. I always think about complementary colors and take pleasure in putting together a complete outfit. Like any woman, I like to feel well put together, and when I wear carefully chosen colors, they influence how I feel. I like to feel beautiful.

Marliza

I first put on the hijab during my first pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj), when I was 30 years old. My sister and I went on Hajj together. We had prepared for the journey and the rituals that awaited us, but when I saw such a large number of Muslims gathered near Mecca in Mina and Arafah, I was truly speechless. There I witnessed the sight of all the pilgrims, as far as my eyes could see, and I was truly humbled.

When I returned to Malaysia, for several weeks, I did not start wearing the hijab, but I felt different. I felt good wearing it while performing Hajj —it felt like a part of me. Back in Malaysia, I gradually came to the realization that I had experienced a spiritual transformation.

Only then did my spiritual journey truly begin and I began wearing the hijab. As born muslims, we had learned about Islam at school as children, but as an adult, I wanted to understand and enrich my knowledge in Islam. I enrolled again to complete my Diploma and Master’s in Islamic Studies.

Today, I feel that the hijab is a part of me. I recently moved to Slovenia with my Slovene husband and our daughter. My husband’s sister, who is non-muslim, asked me whether I would now take off my headscarf in Slovenia, since I am no longer in Malaysia. I smiled and explained to her that I do not wear it for other people, but for God.

When I shop for headscarves and shawls, I plan how they will match my clothes. Over the years, my way of wearing the hijab has changed. I can say that I have experimented with different styles, prints, materials and thicknesses of scarves. The hijab is both the first and the final step in planning my overall appearance, together with clothing, shoes, and accessories. The choice of colors and patterns certainly influences—and reflects—how I feel.

I would also like to add that the hijab is a personal matter. It is a personal journey that accompanies you everywhere. We should not judge others or their spiritual paths, for example when some girls and women take off their hijab. I believe that only God can judge that. We should always try our best to follow Islam as Prophet Muhammad saw has lead/guide and stay within our faith (iman).My daughter often compliments me on how nice I look. I also enjoy hearing compliments from other people too, some out of curiousity of how my hair is. For my daughter, I wish that she will follow her own spiritual path. I believe she will encounter her own challenges. Whether she will wear the hijab will be her decision.

The testimonies were written down for the MKD Association by Miša Bitenc Hernčič.

Intercultural Cooking Workshops at MKD

We organized another intercultural cooking workshop at the premises of our Intercultural Dialogue Association. On January 28, in the late afternoon, we came together, put on our aprons, and got to work in the kitchen under the guidance of our volunteers.

This time, too, in the spirit of intercultural dialogue, we prepared one savory and one sweet dish from traditional Turkish cuisine. On the menu were vegetarian bulgur balls with yogurt and a pumpkin dessert with tahini and walnuts.

Intercultural cooking workshops are a regular part of our association’s activities, as we organize them at least once a month. These gatherings provide a great opportunity to socialize while preparing food, while also creating space for intercultural exchange.

Together, we also set the table and, once the cooking is done, reward ourselves with the delicious dishes we have prepared.

Would you like to join us for the next cooking workshop in February?

Send us a message at info@mkdia.org.

On the occasion of the International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust, we visited the Jewish Cultural Center.

On January 27, we mark the International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust. On this occasion, the Intercultural Dialogue Association once again visited the Jewish Cultural Center and the Synagogue in Ljubljana.

The visit was organized with the aim of strengthening interfaith dialogue and encouraging understanding among people of different religions and beliefs. We believe that open conversation, respect, and cooperation are the foundations of a peaceful and inclusive society.

We sincerely thank the Jewish Cultural Center Ljubljana and its president, Robert Waltl, for the warm welcome and the open, in-depth conversation. The presentation of the history of Jews in Slovenia, along with insights into contemporary Jewish life and activities, was a truly valuable experience for us.

Such visits strengthen cooperation between institutions, build trust, and allow us to get to know different religious communities directly—through personal encounters, dialogue, and mutual respect.

We invite you to explore more posts about our activities in the field of interfaith dialogue HERE.

27 January is the International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust.

Today we commemorate the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Holocaust. On 27 January, we remember the six million Jews and the millions of other victims of Nazism who were murdered because of their faith, nationality, beliefs, or identity.

This international day reminds us where hatred, exclusion, dehumanization, and the silence of the majority can lead. Today we pay tribute to the victims of the Holocaust, while also recognizing the responsibility we all share to identify and confront the dangers of intolerance, antisemitism, racism, and all forms of discrimination in contemporary society.

Intercultural and interfaith dialogue are key tools in preventing hatred and the repetition of the tragic chapters of history.

May today be an opportunity for quiet remembrance of the victims of the Holocaust and for reflection on our shared responsibility to uphold human dignity, human rights, and the values of peace.

MKD Association observes important international days by posting about them and organizing events on assigned topics. To read more about other international days follow THIS LINK.