Interfaith Iftar at SALAM Strives to Make a Difference
By Ras H. Siddiqui
The Sacramento Area League of Associated Muslims (SALAM) held its Annual Interfaith Iftar (breaking of the Ramadan Fast) event with the theme of “Together, We Shall Make A Difference” on Thursday, May 23, 2019 at its own Community Center where many prominent members of the mainstream Sacramento area community participated.
SALAM has had a large and dedicated Muslim congregation for over 30 years now. It shares and promotes the religion of Islam in the capital city of California and prides itself on being a truly American Masjid. Each year during Ramadan it reaches out to people of different faiths and backgrounds so that they too may learn what the Holy Month is all about. Many local Christians and Jews along with people of many other faiths (or even those without) are invited here to learn about Muslim beliefs and to share a meal.
This year the event was sponsored by Anjum Saeed, Ayad Al-Qazzaz, Farrukh Saeed, Javed Iqbal, Javed Siddiqui, Kais Menoufy, Metwalli and Rosalie Amer, Osama Hassoun, Sharif Jewelers, Shoab and Laura Siddique, Tariq Munir and Waseem and JoumanaBawa. Sincere thanks to them for being instrumental in the continuation of this wonderful SALAM tradition. This is a unique Ramadan event where the number of people who are not Muslim usually exceeds the number of Muslims present.
Now to the program: After some time for socializing event co-emcees Robert Martinez and D. Anne Kjemtrup called everyone’s attention. The formalities began with a wonderful recitation of the Holy Qur’an by Youssef Elmashad followed by its English translation by CeleneAridine. SALAM Board Chair Waseem Bawa followed with an official welcome. During his short speech Bawa named and commended all the sponsors and event organizers. He thanked the guests for coming to this Interfaith Iftarwhich he described as one of his favorite events of the year. He said that this is a spiritual month for him as a Muslim and that he gets to share it with his friends and neighbors. Bawa also highlighted the continued support of the local leaders and law enforcement when our community has needed it. We have to be there for each other, he said.
Speaking of the support of local leaders the Jewish Mayor of Sacramento Darrell Steinberg was very much present here and was next invited to the stage. Steinberg was amongst many of his friends here and was articulate as ever. He started his speech with the Muslim greetings of Salam alaikum and Ramadan Mubarak. He said that this was a wonderful occasion and elaborated on the “Together, We Shall Make A Difference” theme of today’s iftar, which got him thinking about how complicated life really is in our private, public and business lives when we are living in a world of algorithms. He added that tonight we step back from the complications as the organizers of this Iftar have given us that opportunity. Together we shall make a difference. It does not take an algorithm for the people of Sacramento to show up in support of the Muslim-American community when they are attacked. He added that it does not take rocket science to know that we can in fact do greater things together. Let us focus tonight on our blessings that we are able to come together. We come from the same tree, he said.
And that tree of inclusiveness was bound to bear fruit as four interfaith youth speakers next shared their views about fitting in and gaining acceptance within the mainstream community while retaining their individual beliefs and faith. AkramKhair: a member of SALAM Youth Leadership Council, Elliot Raskin of the Jewish faith from the Congregation B’nai Israel, Cameron Banghart representing the Christian faith from St Marks, and Mariam Damlakhi, Member of the SALAM Youth Leadership Council, all gave their unique perspectives and somehow opened an optimistic window to our collective future. It was great to see Mayor Steinberg join these young people on stage after they spoke in a gesture of support. And before we leave this segment it would be remiss of us to not mention Sacramento’s St. Marks United Methodist Church which has continued to host an annual Iftar for the area Muslim community. Their Pastor the Rev. Alan Jones was present here at this SALAM gathering and once again joined us in prayer.
SALAM’s founding Executive DrMetwalliAmer next came to the stage and introduced a new addition from the clergy at this SALAM event. Bishop Jaime Soto of the Roman Catholic Dioceses of Sacramento was invited to the podium to address the gathering which he did with inspiring words. DrAmer also introduced numerous local dignitaries and members of the community present. These included leaders from local government, educational institutions, faith groups and law enforcement (the US Attorney’s Office and the FBI included).
The SALAM Distinguished Award presentation was next. This time the honor went to Faith Whitmore CEO of the Sacramento Regional Family Justice Center which provides services and offers hope to victims of domestic violence, elder abuse, human trafficking and more. Faith has been a community activist and a friend across faiths for many years. She could not be here due to an important family event (a file photograph is being used in this report). Her award for “Exceptional Interfaith & Community Services” was accepted by Cheryl Miles and Sister Durriya Syed. This writer was able to contact Faith on Memorial Day and she responded with these words: “I’m truly blessed to be part of the interfaith community in the Sacramento region. Together we have formed treasured friendships and share deep respect. I was truly humbled to receive such a generous award from SALAM for simply loving and serving together with so many other deserving friends,” she said.
With the breaking of the fast approaching the new spiritual leader at SALAM Imam Amr Dabour presented his thoughts on “Sharing the Blessings of Ramadan” which were well received. He spoke candidly on his recent drive here from Florida and highlighted many observations. He acknowledged our diversity in this country but said that we are from one family and that any hatred and bigotry affects us all. He stressed the need to gather together on our commonalities and to share and even enjoy our differences like we are doing here during the holy month of Ramadan.
Just before the Imam returned to deliver the call to prayer signaling the Iftar breaking of the fast, Rabbi Mona Alfi from the Congregation B’nai Israel was invited to share her thoughts. SALAM has been at the cutting edge of community inclusiveness for a number of years now, especially in the realm of better Muslim-Jewish relations. Rising Islamophobia and Anti-Semitism in parts of this country have also brought us together.
The fast was broken with dates and water by many present. Muslims headed for the beautiful SALAM Mosque next door and participated in the evening prayers led by Imam Azeez of the Tarbiya Institute (it was nice to see him here). Returning from prayer to a fine Mediterranean meal was the easy part we all broke bread with Sacramento’s diversity. Peace, Salaam. Shalom.
