Chicagoland Catholics and Muslims share their perspective in Ramadan dinner

Catholic and Muslims gathered in the Islamic Foundation Villa Park, for an Iftar, the fast-breaking meal after sunset during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Ramadan is observed during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar to mark the first revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad. During Ramadan, Muslims refrain from eating and drinking from dawn till dusk.

The annual after has been held since 1983, like 22 years to promote positive dialogue between Chicago's diverse faith traditions. At a time when misunderstandings and stereotypes continue to influence public perceptions of religious communities, the city's religious leadership plans to send a strong message of solidarity. The Catholics and Muslims are organizing the event on a year to year basis.

Around 350 Muslims, Catholics and other faiths came together to meet each other in the Islamic Foundation Villa Park and discover the meaning of the tenets of each other's faiths. The 22nd Annual Muslim-Catholic Iftar Dinner was on Tuesday, May 21, 2019 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The program was emceed by Aliya Husain. The theme of the program was "Spirituality as a Path to our Common Humanity," Susan Pudelek, coordinator of Interreligious Relations for the Archdiocese of Chicago, and Dr. Yousef Casewit, assistant professor of Qur'anic Studies at the University of Chicago Divinity School addressed at the event and highlighted the topic.

Both esteemed speakers shared their faith experience and perspective in Obligations common values with respective religions values.

CIOGC Current Chairman Irshad Khan said, "Recent attacks on people of faith and houses of worship. These attacks are a chilling reminder that intolerance continues to spread in the United States and around the world. We should reflect on how to address our collective vulnerability to hate-inspired violence. We must not, I repeat must not, permit such acts to immobilize us. In fact, we should use these healing opportunities to stand shoulder to shoulder in combating all forms of hate.

Intolerance to those different from us must be rejected and our will to fight against such intolerance must remain steadfast. In today's divisive times, we must have more concrete programs where Muslim and Christian and faith-based communities engage in practical programs on a common platform to counter hate. I look forward to continue our dialogues with the Archdiocese of Chicago."

Susan Pudelek spoke about the ways that both Catholicism and Islam need to establish the necessary foundations to start an Interfaith spiritual community. She further said, "Today we are here building bridges of communication and of understanding."

Dr. Yousef Casewit spoke about the Quran and Bible. He said, "If you need to Learn Quran in Depth. You need to read Bible themes."

The program was very well organized, prestigious and enjoyed by the attendees and will be remembered. A sumptuous dinner was served for all after Maghreb Prayer.