The Islamic Center of Naperville created history last month when it hosted both the Consul General of India, Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, and Consul General of Pakistan, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, together at an Iftar attended by more 700 people from the community.
The June 26 Iftar at the ICN started ith a speech by Shakh Rizwan Ali, ICN’s Resident Scholar who spoke about the significance of the month of Ramadan and what fasting means for Muslims. This was followed by a recitation from the Quran by Shaykh Ismail AlQady who is the Resident Qari (one who recites the Quran).
English translation was provided by Ayan Beg, a Boy Scout. Everyone in the room placed their right hands on their chest to recite the Pledge of Allegiance by ICN’s very own Boy Scouts Troop. The Scouts continued with the flag ceremony proudly holding up the American flag.
This ceremony was followed by welcome address by Aadil Farid, president, Islamic Center of Naperville.
ICN was established in 1992 with 50 families. Today, it boasts of membebrsip of over 3500 families, including The ICN community largely consists of people from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. However, there are a number of families from Egypt, Jordan, Somalia, Iraq, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and various other countries.
Dr. Ausaf Sayeed addressing the ICN community spoke about the importance of fasting, Ramadan, and unity. “Every Muslim should enlighten the authentic, genuine meaning of Islam to the rest of the word, which means piece, unity, brotherhood, compassion, respect for other religions.This is the time we should make non-Muslims understand real message of the Prophet and enlighten all that the faith does not represent intolerance and violence,” Sayeed said.
According to Asian Media USA press release, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi expressed his gratitude and thanked everyone for inviting him to ICN. He agreed with Sayeed about the importance of fasting, Ramadan, and unity. He expressed happiness to get connected with so many people from South Asian and Arab background under one roof.
“I am honored to be invited here on such Historic day in the month of Ramazan. Traditionally the Mosque has played a very essential pivotal role in presenting and propagating our religion. Besides elucidation and promoting religion It also serves as multipurpose center like promoting Islamic spirituality and education, community and governmental development and harmony. This ICN mosque is similar multifunctional institute which has served our community well since its inception. I urge our Muslim brothers in our community to build bridge between various other communities like Caucasians, African Americans, Hindus and Sikhs to elucidate the true meaning Islam,” he said.
The program was concluded with a prayer by Shaykh Rizwan. People who were fasting broke their fast together with dates, fruit, and samosas.
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