Interfaith Ramadan Iftar dinner held at Islamic Education Center Husaini

Approximately 300 people gathered at the Islamic Education Center, IEC Husaini, on Thursday, April 7, for an interfaith Iftar dinner. The aim of the purpose is to build networks between diverse groups to strengthen unity and understanding between all faiths. The Glendale Heights center, founded in 1993, has been hosting this kind of gathering for a couple of years. The dinner was also supported and co-sponsored by the Children of Abraham Coalition.

The guest list included Glendale Heights Mayor Chodri Khokhar; Father Corey Brost, executive director of Viator House of Hospitality; Professor Andrew Smith; Leyla Yurtsever; Molly Schless; and several others.

The program was emceed by Dr. Imran Khan. He welcomes all guests to the IEC Husaini to break fast with Muslim. He also highlighted about Holy Ramadan is the most important month on the Muslim calendar.

The ceremony started with a recreation of the holy Quran by Sajjad Naqvi. Youth speakers Leyla Yurtsever and Molly Schless. They also praised the Iftar event, which brings unity and peace to the Chicago area. Father Corey Brost speaks on the occasion, extended special thanks and excellent cooperation and patronage to the IEC Husaini for their tireless efforts toward interfaith Iftar during the last couple years.

Mayor Khokhar highlighted the importance of integrating the Muslim community into American society, where the Islamic Education Center is playing a key role in promoting interfaith harmony.

Professor Andrew Smith, who came from England specially for this event was the keynote speaker.

He said, "Today I am having a great privilege of being part of the IEC interfaith Iftar. We have an opportunity to learn more about each other. Beautiful day today with people of different backgrounds coming together and showing hospitality to build a genuine friendship."

Finally came the closing remarks of Maulana Syed Mehboob Mehdi Abidi Al-Najafi. He said, "Ramadan offers us this special opportunity to celebrate our common faith values."

During the Iftar meal, guests thanked the Islamic Education Center volunteers for presenting the delicious meals at this Iftar meal and valued the intimate conversations around the dinner table. Volunteers were Riaz Naqvi, Shaheen Khan, Azra Naqvi, Haider Zaidi, Dr. Imran Khan, and others.

Before the breaking the fast, a call to prayer was announced with its meaning in the subtitles, followed by a prayer. Maulana Syed Mehboob Mehdi Abidi Al-Najafi led the prayers.

Father Corey Brost presented the Courage of Abraham award to Professor Andrew Smith for his dynamic role in the interfaith community.