Washington, DC: More than 150 Congressional staffers,
American Muslim leaders, diplomats from Islamic-majority
nations, and elected officials from both major political
parties turned out for the second annual Ramadan iftar,
or fast-breaking meal, on Capitol Hill.
The iftar, held in the foyer of the Rayburn House
Office Building, was co-sponsored by 10 House members.
It featured the breaking of the 
fast,
the Islamic sunset prayer (maghrib) and an ecumenical
prayer by Congressional staffer Tannaz Haddadi.
In her prayer, Haddadi said: “Oh Lord, help
us remember those actions that are most loved by You:
making others happy, feeding the hungry, helping the
afflicted, lightening the sorrow of those who are
suffering, and assisting the injured.”
Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) offered a welcome on
behalf of the sponsoring House members and wished
everyone “Ramadan Mubarak,” or blessed
Ramadan.
“We thank all those representatives who made
this event possible and whose respect for religious
diversity reflects the values of tolerance and mutual
understanding that we all hold dear,” said Omar
Ahmad, board chairman of the Council on American-Islamic
Relations (CAIR).
CAIR, America’s largest Muslim civil liberties
group, helped facilitate the event and provided the
iftar meal. The Washington-based group’s mission
is to enhance understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue,
protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims,
and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual
understanding.
