Houston, Texas: The annual Iftar dinner in the United States’s fourth largest city of Houston was held with great enthusiasm, marking the largest gathering of its kind in the country.
The event was held at Bauu City Event Center, which was held in collaboration with the Mayor of Houston and Sister Cities Association, which attracted more than 2,500 attendees from various backgrounds and businesses.
Houston Mayor John Whitmyer was the chief guest at Iftar dinner. Other reputed guests included Congressman Al Green, leading American businessman Javed Anwar, trade tycoon Tanveer Ahmed, diplomat, senior government officials and community leaders of various countries.
Saeed Sheikh, coordinator of Iftar dinner, highlighted the importance of the incident in promoting Interfaith Hormony, emphasized how such meetings bring people of different religions and cultures together to share the blessings of Iftar together.
The incident began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by a video message from Texas Governor Greg Abbott, which was displayed on the large screen.
In his message, the Governor greeted American Muslims on Ramadan and appreciated the initiative to promote religious harmony.
Mayor John Whitmyer and Congressmen Al Green presented appreciation certificates to Saeed Sheikh and his team for the successful organization of Iftar dinner.
Speaking to the media, Whitmyer praised the program, stating that Iftar dinner is not only the mayor’s incident, but a collective festival of all communities, which symbolizes religious tolerance, harmony and unity.
Congressman Al Green commented that he was not fully informed about travel sanctions on Muslim-majority countries, but he said that if a travel ban was imposed on the basis of religion, he would not support it.
Prominent arrangement Javed Anwar also addressed the gathering, proud to be a part of the event and Sheikh and his team appreciated him for his efforts in organizing the Grand Iffer Dinner.
Event Coordinator Sheikh emphasized that the successful organization of Iftar dinner reflected the US Muslim community’s commitment to promote religious harmony, peace and tolerance in the US.
The event also included the Islamic Society of Greater Houston, Imran Gazi and President of Arab Community Ahmed Yasin, who both highlighted the importance of interfaith dialogue and unity.
This annual Iftar dinner serves as an important opportunity not only for Muslims but also for people of other religions to experience Islamic traditions and the spiritual essence of Ramadan. Houston Iftar dinner stands as a beacon of unity, tolerance and solidarity in American society.
