Interfaith Iftar Unites Community through Compassion
By Ras H. Siddiqui

The Sacramento Area League of Associated Muslims (SALAM) held its 23 rd Annual Interfaith Iftar (Ramadan breaking of the fast) at its own community center on Tuesday April 11, 2023. This event has become a tradition of sorts for the regional interfaith community and remains unique because people who are not Muslim are often observed to be in the majority here. The religious traditions (Passover, Easter and Ramadan) of the three Abrahamic faiths (Judaism, Christianity and Islam) overlap or converge every 32 years or so and this year was one of them, giving this Iftar gathering added focus.

Followers of Islam now have a significant presence here in America, and the Sacramento region is certainly no exception. This particular Iftar event provides Muslims an opportunity not only to share Islam in practice with other faiths, but it also gives other faiths an opportunity to share their beliefs with Muslims. In essence, this interfaith Iftar taps into the plurality and diversity of our region, state, and country, as America continues to be enriched by people of all faiths and different ethnic backgrounds.

The event started off with seating and some social time. Emcee Asif Haq called everyone to attention and kicked things off a bit differently this year as a short video was shown of an Imam in Algeria leading Ramadan prayers while a cat climbed up on him and sat on his shoulder. This video has gone viral as the Imam was unphased and continued leading the prayers and later ended up affectionately acknowledging the cat. This video happened to be in accord with the theme for the evening. 

Asif next welcomed the attendees and shared the program schedule with everyone. He also acknowledged the presence of a few local dignitaries present here including representatives of the US Attorney’s Office and the FBI. Also present were leaders of leading local educational institutions (e.g., CSU Sacramento, Los Rios, American River College, etc.). Asif also thanked the people who made this Iftar possible with their generous sponsorship - Ayad Al-Qazzaz, Javed Iqbal, JTS Engineering, Kais Menoufy, Metwalli & Rosalie Amer, Sharif Jewelers and Waseem & Joumana Bawa.

The program formalities started with young Taha presenting a recitation from the Holy Qur’an and the English translation of the verses. This was immediately followed by an official welcome by SALAM’s Board Chairperson Omar MoheyEldin. Omar said that today marks the 20 th day of Ramadan, and as we approach the last ten days of the month, during which the first verses of the Qur’an were revealed, we are honored to break our fast together and share a meal with all of you. Ramadan this year, as it did last year, falls during the same days that our partners in faith celebrate Easter and Passover, which is another reminder of how much we have in common, he said.  SALAM is very proud to be a part of this Sacramento Interfaith community. The theme for this year’s Iftar is Compassion. You all opened your places of worship to those that escaped war and torture. With compassion, you held their hands, made sure that they can practice their faith freely and learn new skills to live and work with dignity in this community, he added. I am honored to be with all of you this evening, we have a special spiritual program for you and definitely some good food!

The next segment was conceivably the most important, because it pointed towards the Sacramento region’s collective future. It was introduced by Sister Anne Kjemtrup who has been associated with SALAM for many years in many key capacities. She introduced three young people (in order of the seniority of the religions) Noah Himovitz-Ries (Judaism), Carter Koenig (Christianity) and Miriam Huss (Islam). These teenagers were asked to address the theme, “Compassion begets compassion” from their respective faith tradition. Noah revisited his Bar mitzvah, social work in the Jewish tradition and volunteering in a local kitchen to help to feed people. Carter looked back at his Catholic Confirmation, Saint Gregory and caring about people, and sharing religious celebrations. And Miriam from a Muslim perspective did an amazing job explaining the act of smiling, a very basic human concept which displays compassion. A smile is a universal language that everyone can certainly understand, and it can be contagious!

Mufti Aamir Nazir next gave an in-depth talk on the practices and importance of Ramadan in the Islamic tradition for the benefit of many guests from other faiths. He started with the common threads of the three Abrahamic faiths and said that fasting has existed in the other traditions too. Aamir spoke of attaining Taqwa or God consciousness during the act of fasting and detailed what the rules are in the Islamic way of conducting a fast. He also explained who is obligated to fast and who is exempt.  It is one of the five pillars of the Islamic faith. The Mufti also focused on self-discipline attained due to the act of fasting. He also described Ramadan as a month for developing empathy and compassion. Aamir also spoke of the Prophet’s (PBUH) focus on creating a compassionate society beginning with the care of one’s neighbor. On different faiths Mufti Nazir requested that we spread peace amongst ourselves, and he prayed that this event brings us all closer together.

The SALAM Distinguished Award presentation was next. Every year SALAM very carefully chooses a deserving recipient for this award and this year they chose a man of great compassion, the 8 th President of California State University Sacramento, Robert S. Nelsen. Dr Nelsen has been leading Sac State since July 2015 and has recently announced that he will be retiring from the position at the end of the academic year. While introducing him, Professor Al-Qazzaz very accurately described him as a man who has promoted diversity, equity, and a culture of dignity for all on campus and as a fighter for peace. President Nelsen accepted the award very humbly. During his speech he said that tonight was all about compassion, and he wished that all of his 31,000 plus students could be here tonight to be a part of this event and see how we all stand together. He thanked everyone for the award and requested that we continue to keep this spirit (of unity and compassion) alive. He also offered a “stinger salute” (Sac State Hornets) and was joined by many people present on stage who are connected to CSU Sacramento for a group picture. The CSU President will be missed by all communities in the Sacramento area, and we wish him the best retirement possible. 

It was good to note that City of Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg had arrived just before the award presentation. And he was also here to witness the Interfaith Prayers of the Abrahamic faiths focusing on compassion, just before the breaking of the fast. Rabbi Nancy Wechsler from the Congregation Beth Shalom started with blessings from the Jewish perspective and said that we are all one nest of humanity. From the Christian perspective Rev Dave Lyman, a prominent interfaith leader, added that he too fasted during the month. He wished we be guards for those who need support and protection, and continue our efforts till all beings see each other as one. From the Muslim perspective Dr Metwalli Amer, the visionary founder of SALAM and the driving force behind this Interfaith Iftar event, closed the roceedings. He focused on the acceptance of others for the good of our community. United we stand, he said.  

The Adhan or call to prayer, performed by SALAM’s Office Manager Ayad Al Sadawi, signaled the breaking of the fast. Muslims quickly went to the adjacent SALAM Mosque to pray and upon their return all in attendance were treated to a delicious Mediterranean dinner. SALAM’s Executive Director Abdul-Qawiy Abdul-Karim officially closed the event.

Eid Mubarak greetings to all our readers.