SALAM Annual Interfaith Iftar Focuses on Community Building
By Ras H. Siddiqui
The Sacramento Area League of Associated Muslims (https://www.salamcenter.org/) which is well known throughout the region by its acronym SALAM held its annual interfaith Iftar (breaking of the Ramadan fast) at its community center on Wednesday, May 30th.
If memory serves us correctly, this was the 17th consecutive annual interfaith event during Ramadan organized by this organization, a tradition started soon after 9/11/2001 the fallout of which necessitated a change in how Islam is to be presented in this country. The basic premise of this change was that Muslims while practicing their faith, additionally needed to look outwards to explain it to their neighbors and the wider community in the Sacramento, California region which also happens to be one of the most diverse places in this country.
The evening started with a brief social period before emcees Bob Martinez and Dr Anne Kjemtrup called everyone’s attention. SALAM Board Chairperson Waseem Bawa briefly addressed the audience starting on a somewhat humorous note. He greeted everyone and said that he just had a couple of minutes, and did not want to be the guy delaying Iftar! Muslims do have a reputation for getting a little cranky (possibly more) when the time for breaking of the Ramadan fast approaches, he said. He next recognized all the sponsors of this event namely Anjum Saeed, DrAyad Al-Qazzaz, Javed Iqbal, JavedSiddiqui, Kais Menoufy, DrMetwalli and Rosalie Amer, Osama Hassoun, Sharif Jewelers and Tariq Munir (writer’s note: plus Waseem andJoumanaBawa) and thanked them all for their support.
Bawa officially welcomed everyone and described the experience of seeing all present that evening as “heartwarming”. He said that out of all the events held by SALAM throughout the year, the Interfaith Iftar was his favorite and that the theme of the evening “Faith and Building Communities” begins with bringing people of various backgrounds together in friendship.
Sheikh Abdel Hameed from Al-Azhar University in Egypt next presented a wonderful Qur’anic Recitation which was followed by its English translation by Hana’aAlnassiry. Emcee Bob Matinez returned to introduce all the dignitaries present or potentially present and whether Bob was batting a thousand this evening or not, all the people were dignitaries in our book! Sacramento City Council Member Eric Guerra and Sacramento State University President Robert S. Nelsen were present and accounted for, along with representatives from the regional US Attorney’s Office and the local FBI.
The program then moved on to one of the most important segments, one closely related to the core theme for the evening “Faith & Building Communities.” Introduced by Dr Anne Kjemtrup four youth or high schoolers from the Sacramento area presented their views on growing up with their faith or being introduced to Muslims and interacting with us. Certainly one of the positives of growing up in a diverse environment (in Sacramento and in the USA as a whole). Presenting their views, two Muslims, a Christian and a member of the Jewish faith described their experiences.
Starting the segment, ImeneSmati from SALAM, who has a passion for helping children, with aspirations of working in the medical field) elaborated on growing up with her faith and her school experience. Next, Courtney Banghart from St Marks United Methodist who hopes to pursue a law degree just like her hero, former President Barack Obama, spoke from a Christian perspective and included parts of one of her favorite books in the Bible which stresses love and community service. We have to set aside our differences and accept people for what they are and what they believe in, she said.
Courtney was followed by Jewish speaker Sophia Breslau. Sophia is 16 years old from The Jewish congregation, Mosaic Law and is very active in the local synagogue and regional youth board and organizations. She delivered a wonderful speech and included the inspirational role of the Sisterhood of Salam Shalom (SOSS), an organization of Muslim and Jewish women seeking peace and understanding. Incidentally, this writer was invited to an Iftar held by the Sisterhood the night before at the residence of Shereen and NadimRehman but just couldn’t make it. But back to this event, the final youth speaker was 17-year-old Asif Masud, from SALAM, a graduate of its weekend school leadership classes. The young man has his own personal brand called “Chance” which promotes taking chances and being the change an individual wants to see in the world. Asif delivered a highly entertaining speech which included wisdom beyond his years.
Imam Kashif of SALAM added a more spiritual element to the evening as he explained the significance of Ramadan apart from the food factor. He focused on the religious aspect and how Ramadan brings blessings to everyone. He said that Ramadan is not just about fasting; it is about caring about other people. Ramadan has two themes: 1) How to build your inner character to connect with God, and 2) How to connect yourself to community members, how to feel the pain of other people, and how to care for them. When a person goes through hunger and thirst throughout the day he or she can feel the pain of people around the world who have no food to eat and water to drink. The sharing of family life during Ramadan also figured prominently in Imam Kashif’s speech. Caring for other people is part of the most important message of this blessed month.
The SALAM Distinguished Award is presented to those who have made extraordinary contributions to the Sacramento community as a whole and many prominent individuals and organizations have been recognized through it. Here, just before the breaking of the fast, this award was presented to Rev. Alan Jones of the St Marks United Methodist Church. Mr Chris Harris accepted the award on the Reverend’s behalf.
After Bob Martinez took the opportunity to introduce representatives of various Sacramento area organizations present, a call to prayer or Azan by Sheikh Abdel Hameed signaled the breaking of the fast. Water and dates were consumed as Muslims proceeded to the beautiful SALAM Mosque next door for Maghrib (sunset) prayers and their guests were directed to a fine dinner (to be joined by their hosts later).
A concluding interfaith prayer closed the event during which Dr Roger Jones, Father Mike Kiernan, Rev. Jason Bense and Imam Kashif shared their thoughts and beliefs, a befitting end to a wonderful evening of sharing.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
