The Vienna City Council has provided a Muslim prayer room.
The celebration of the’breaking of the fast The town hall included a prayer room and the message «There is no god but Allah» on the screens.
Image of the’breaking of the fast
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Austrian media outlets, such as the Kronen Zeitung, report that the Vienna City Council hosted a major interfaith event on Thursday evening to celebrate the’Islamic Council of Fatwar, the breaking of the daily fast during the holy month of Ramadan. The event took on a profoundly solemn character and brought together members of the Muslim community, representatives of the Christian churches, Jewish communities and prominent figures from Vienna's political and social life. In the Knights' Hall (dedicated to wine), no alcohol was served.
The room was bathed in soft shades of green and the evening was enlivened by oriental music, creating an atmosphere of serenity and respect. The space transformed into a place of contemplation, where the prayer leader's measured voice echoed solemnly throughout the building. Shortly after half past six, the
The Muslim call to prayer was heard in the room known as the «cellar» of Vienna City Hall..
Prayer room and traditional meal
The evening's menu, far removed from Eastern flavours, featured dishes firmly rooted in Austrian tradition: lentil soup with root vegetables, boiled veal fillet with cloth-bound dumplings and, for dessert, a delicate saffron soufflé with wild berries.
At the same time, and as a mark of respect for the religious practices of the attendees, a prayer room was set up away from the banquet area, specially arranged so that worshippers could pray in a quiet, contemplative environment. Some eat first and then go to pray; others do it the other way round. There is a constant coming and going between the two rooms.
Despite the Muslim community's satisfaction with Michael Ludwig's (SPÖ) hospitality, some feel it is not enough: The Muslim party SÖZ is calling for a nationwide Ramadan festival and a public celebration of the occasion.’Eid (end of Ramadan).
«Islam is part of our society.»
«Tonight should be a sign that Islam is part of our society and also of our city.«Michael Ludwig explained. The theme of this year's Ramadan is «Time of Perseverance». The mayor also emphasised that fasting is not only important in Islam sIt also has a significant role in other religious traditions..
Public debate
The celebration of the’breaking of the fast it has generated public debate. Although the event was conceived as a show of respect and inclusion towards the Muslim community, Some critical voices have questioned the suitability of using public facilities for specific religious events. The FPÖ (anti-Islamic) party has criticised the act and considers it a way of securing the votes of the Muslim community. His leader in Vienna, Dominik Nepp, criticised the holding of the event and that the message was projected onto the screens «There is no god but Allah».
These criticisms focus on the possible confusion surrounding the separation of Church and State, as well as on the perception that one religion might be favoured over others.
The Vienna elections are approaching (25th April) and, in addition to the well-known parties, the Muslim SÖZ (Social Austria of the Future) is also on the ballot in 18 districts. The small party, founded in 2020, received just 1.20 per cent in the last state elections, but SÖZ managed to secure representation in six districts and has been represented on district councils ever since.
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