Grand Iftar Party at the Residence of Dr and Mrs Asif Mahmood
Dr and Mrs Asif Mahmood held a grand Iftar party at their residence in Brad Bury, California. Leading political, social and administrative personalities who graced the occasion impressed everyone with their impeccable eloquence and sobriety. The invitees included: Chairman House Foreign Affairs Committee and US Congressman Ed Royce, California State Senator Tony Mendoza, Los Angeles Council Member David E. Ryu, Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell, California State Assembly member Matt Dababneh and US Congresswoman Judy Chu besides a large number of prominent community members.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Asif Mahmood informed the guests that “fasting is one of the five basic elements of our religion Islam. Fasting gives you a taste of hunger. It reminds you about the poor people who cannot afford even one meal a day. Ramadan is also a month of charity. Our religion Islam asks the rich people to give zakat or tax on their wealth to the poor and less privileged people.”
Speaking next, Congressman Ed Royce thanked Dr Asif Mahmood and all the guests. “America is an ideal state. It has given opportunity to people of all faiths to live in harmony and peace. When Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence he had the Qur’an and the Bible on his table… With the contribution of the Pakistani community with all the other communities we are going to create an ideal American state where everybody will have equal opportunity,” he said.
Congresswoman Judy Chu in her remarks was appreciative of Dr Asif Mahmood’s dedication and services. “I am very much impressed with Dr Asif Mahmood. I see him all the time doing some social work. I do not know if he is a doctor or a social worker. He is a positive element of the Pakistani community.”
Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell speaking on the occasion remarked: “Los Angeles County is one of the largest counties in the world. It has lot of law and order problems. I am confident that we will overcome the problems with the help of the Pakistani and other communities."
California State Senator Tony Mendoza wished happy Ramazan to the gathering. “I am very familiar and impressed by working with the Pakistani community for the last twenty years. They are hard and honest workers. They are contributing to build with their work a strong American society. Recently on 23 rd March, Independence Day of Pakistan, we passed a Resolution in appreciation of the good work Pakistani Americans are doing. I am sure that the hard work of Pakistani society will build a strong America,” Senator Mendoza said.
After this brief speech-session, Dr Asif Mahmood invited the guests to break the fast. Delicious Pakistan food was served at the memorable iftar party and was greatly relished by all the invitees.
