A Devotional Gathering at Iftar in Washington Metropolitan Area
Springfield, Virginia: A devotional gathering at an Iftar dinner was organized at ‘Des Pardees Restaurant’ in Washington Suburban area by two admirable and respected brothers: Akram Butt and Imran Butt. Both are widely known as prominent community leaders in Washington, metropolitan area.
Akram Butt is the CEO of ‘The Insaniyat Foundation’ which has a mission of empowerment. The Foundation strives to transform the landscape of opportunity for Pakistan’s children by providing holistic support that encompasses health, nutrition, and education. Its approach is rooted in the belief that an investment in a child’s well-being is an investment in the future of our society. By nurturing creative thinkers, problem solvers, and leaders of tomorrow, The Foundation is paving the way for a society that thrives on innovation, equality, and resilience.
The Iftar dinner was attended by over 200 individuals who were delighted to see Sardar Zarif Khan, Advisor to the President of Azad Kashmir, in person. He was physically present after a long period of more than 11 months. He had experienced muscular weakness after his back surgery in June 2024. His neurological status has come a long way and he has overcome the limitations which were due to muscular weakness.
Everybody at the Iftar dinner was overjoyed to see Sardar Zarif Khan. They embraced him to show their admiration for his commitment and dedication to the cause of human rights and civil liberties. A special du’a was made for his complete recovery by Dr Zafar Iqbal Noori, Director, Masjid Al-Hussain, Virginia.
The event began with a recitation from the holy Qur’an by Hafiz Hashim and a naat recital by Main Shahid. Bobby Hussain was the emcee of the event.
The main speaker at the Iftar dinner was Dr Zulfiqar Kazmi, a renowned scholar, international affairs analyst, and dialogue expert. Dr Kazmi extended his heartfelt gratitude to Brother Imran Butt, Mr Akram Butt, and their family, for upholding the noble tradition of hospitality by organizing the magnificent Iftar dinner. This gathering beautifully embodies the true essence of Ramadan—a month of unity, compassion, and selflessness, where we not only express love and solidarity with our community but also recognize and address the needs of those around us, setting aside our differences.
As I look around this gathering, the largest community Iftar dinner of the year, I see distinguished personalities who have always been a beacon of unity, perseverance, and dedication for American Muslims. Their presence reminds us that the greatest message of this blessed month is to strive for the well-being of others and to sincerely pray for their success and well-being. Ramadan is the month of forgiveness, peace, and reconciliation—a time for healing, to extend kindness, and to strengthen the bonds that connect us as one human family.
However, amidst the blessings of this holy month, we cannot ignore the sorrow caused by the tragic Jaffer Express train accident in Pakistan just a few days ago. The grief felt by the Pakistani American community and people across the world is profound. Tonight, in this grand Iftar gathering, which brings together individuals from all walks of life, diverse backgrounds, and multiple states—including Washington, DC, Virginia, Maryland, and beyond—we collectively express our deepest sympathies for the victims and their families.
The Pakistani American community has always stepped forward in times of need, demonstrating unwavering commitment and compassion. It is a source of immense pride that we stand together, upholding the true spirit of Islam and Ramadan—a spirit that transcends differences, fosters unity, and champions equality, love, and mutual respect.
Let us continue to embody these values, working together for a world filled with harmony and understanding. Ramadan Mubarak!
Dr Zafar Iqbal Noori spoke about the importance of fasting. He stressed that Allah’s blessings – His love and mercy - are showered upon those who fast during Ramdhan with Iman and Ihtisab. He quoted the Prophet who said, “Whoever feeds a fasting person will have his sins forgiven, will be saved from hell fire, and will have the same reward as the fasting person without diminishing the reward of the fasting person in the slightest.” And quoted the Prophet saying, "All of man's good deeds are rewarded tenfold or up to seven hundred times. Allah the Almighty says: Except for fasting. It is Mine and I repay the faster who gives up his desires and food for My sake."
Dr Noori emphasized that the prime objective of fasting is to cultivate a sense of compassion and caring towards those who are needy, destitute and downtrodden. By fasting long hours and the whole month of Ramadan, Muslims should feel the pain and suffering of those millions of people who live in hunger and poverty.
Moulana Chasti Sahib concluded the event with du’a and Imam Abdul Wali Muradpuri lead the Salatul Maghrib.
For more information, please contact Dr Ghulam Nabi Fai, Chairman, World Forum for Peace & Justice. -
gnfai2003@yahoo.com
.png)
