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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