Shura Council Organizes Interfaith Iftar Dinner

The Shura Council hosted over two hundred guests from many faith groups and civic leaders at its annual interfaith dinner. Guests represented over thirty-five organizations and City, State and Federal agencies.
Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi, Chairman of the Shura Council, welcomed everyone and thanked the guests for their continued partnership with Shura Council. He reminded the gathering to benefit from this holy season of mercy and forgiveness. Welcoming the guests on behalf of the civic leadership, Los Angeles Sheriff Leroy Baca recognized the work of the Shura Council in Southern California and pledged his continued support.
Bishop Steve Gilliland of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, along with a contingent of several Stake Presidents from across Southern California, thanked the Shura Council for its interfaith work. He also highlighted many similarities between Muslim and Mormon traditions of fasting and importance of family life.
In his keynote presentation, Rabbi Mark Diamond of the Board of Rabbis of Southern California exhorted people of all faiths to exert their best in "dialoging with sincerity as children of Abraham" and acknowledging the importance of fasting in Jewish and Islamic traditions for self-purification. In conclusion, Dr. Maher Hathout, Vice Chairman of the Shura Council reminded everyone of the "unique place" God has bestowed on all people, which if fully recognized can bring about much good to the humanity.
Shura Council thanks all the member organizations for their support in making such community outreach programs successful and encourages all communities to continue to reach out to people of all faith groups for larger good and enhanced understanding.

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Editor: Akhtar M. Faruqui
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