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21 November 2008 / 21 Dhul Qa'dah 1429

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Ramadhan 1429: IMAN Hosts Second Annual Community Iftaar

Updated 22 September 2008

On Saturday 13 September 2008 (eve of 14th Ramadhân 1429), Ithna-asheri Muslim Association of the Northwest (IMAN) community welcomed members of the Greater Seattle broader Muslim and non-Muslim community to its “Sharing the Blessings of Ramadhân Community Iftaar”.

Overcoming schedule and logistic challenges at its newly remodeled Center, the IMAN community hosted a very successful event attended by representatives from a broad cross-section of the local community in Greater Seattle as well as folks who had travelled long distances within Washington state, from Oregon and as far away as Washington DC. Among the more than 300 people who attended the event, the largest ever in IMAN’s history, were neighbors, friends, colleagues, legislators, civic leaders, faith leaders, members of the academia as well as representation from federal agencies.

In his remarks before the breaking of the fast and the evening prayer, Br. Jawad Khaki shared significant points about Ramadhân and introduced IMAN. Reflecting on the challenges and opportunities in a shrinking converging diverse world, Jawad encouraged event attendees to build bridges of understanding and respect across faith groups and different cultural traditions instead of retreating to what may seem comfortable islands of familiarity. He quoted Hans Kung, “No peace among nations without peace among religions. No peace among religions without dialogue between the religions. No dialogue between the religions without investigation of the foundations of the religion.”

Jawad pointed out that one of the objectives of the IMAN Resource Center is to be a local reliable source of information about Islam. As part of IMAN’s outreach efforts, Jawad went on to propose several interfaith activities directed towards enhancing understanding as well as offered support on community action programs aimed at identifying and serving human needs in the Greater Seattle area. In addition, he identified upholding of universal values universally as the biggest challenge and a huge opportunity in front of Americans and world citizens. He concluded his remarks with the recitation of Sura-e-Fateha remembering all those who were no longer with us and especially the innocent victims of 9/11.

The highlight of the evening for many, if not all, was without a doubt the delicious Iftaar meal and the many great conversations over dinner between participants.

Successful events like the one hosted on 13 Saturday are directly attributable to the great and hard work of volunteers who planned and organized an event that presented IMAN as a well knit community that is inviting to its neighbors. Everywhere one looked towards and every corner one turned to, dedicated people were seen heeding the call of our Prophet (peace be upon him and his progeny) to generously lend a helping hand as IMAN hosted the Community Iftaar and encouraged the establishments of human bonds to help us all in the future.

IMAN Community members and guests enjoying conversation over Iftaar dinner