Introduction
“Houston Iftar”
Annual Ramadan Dinner
With
Address by Mayor of Houston
Houston is truly one of the most diverse international cities in the
nation and it will be a great opportunity to show case our religious,
cultural and social diversity by participating in this religious
celebration with all of our brothers and sister.This is a remarkable
opportunity to show solidarity and unity among not just various Muslim
organizations and religious groups but also to remind all that we share
same human values, respect, and dignities as do rest of our citizens of
this great city, irrespective of race, color, religion, or the origin of
an individual.
Abu Dhabi, Baku, Basrah, Istanbul and Karachi Sister City Associations
along with the Islamic Society of Greater Houston and all other
Collaborating Organizations hosts "Houston Iftar" Annual Ramadan Dinner
with Mayor of Houston.,where we showcase our diversity and culture among
all the citizens of Houston and look forward to working with all other
religious & cultural organizations to make this an inclusive Event.
In Houston Iftar, We feature The Honorable Mayor,as our Keynote speaker
for this auspicious event. Our goal is to make it an all inclusive event,
so please involved and be part of this most joyous celebration of Muslim
World.
Ramadan & Iftar
"O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed for you as it was
prescribed for those before you, so that you may attain piety” Qur’an
2:183
Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar, is the month of
fasting.Ramadan is one of the holiest celebrations for members of the
Islamic faith.It is period of sacrifice and commitments.Throughout the
month, adult Muslims around the world abstain from food, drink, smoking
and sexual relations between dawn and sunset.Fasting is another unique
moral and spiritual characteristic of Islam.In the Holy Month of Ramadan,
Muslims give in extra acts of charity, and spend extra time in worship.
Fasting helps to teach patience, self-control and humility. Iftar is a
meal served at the end of the day during Ramadan,to break the day's fast.
Iftar is very much a social event, involving families and community
members. It is common for people to host others for dinner, or gather as a
community.
Recent Events
Houston Iftar 2024
Over 2,000 Pack Mayor’s 25th Annual Ramadan Iftar
Houston: A mammoth gathering on Sunday, March 17, at the Bayou City Center in Houston of over 2,000 persons made it again the largest Iftar Dinner event in the United States.
The Silver Jubilee of America's largest Annual Houston Iftar Dinner has been organized for the past many years by the Muslim Sister Cities of Houston, namely Abu Dhabi, Baku, Basrah, Istanbul, and Karachi; along with 40 collaborating community organizations including the Ismaili Council for the Southwest US.
Event emcee attorney Lema Mousilli welcomed the guests and opened the occasion which began with the National Anthem sung by Shama Tajani. Iftar dinner chief coordinator for the past fourteen years, Muhammad Saeed Sheikh, warmly recognized many distinguished guests and expressed his gratitude to Chief Patron Syed Javaid Anwar and Tanweer Ahmed for being the major sponsors of the event. He paid tribute to the organizing committee, collaborating organizations and media. Faisal Momin, President of Ismaili Council then introduced newly elected Mayor John Whitmire.
Keeping his composure, Whitmire said he felt the pain of the people of Gaza, but that his priority was the affairs of Houston, and he did not involve himself in international affairs. He recalled how he first met Muslims when he was a student in college and his commitment to keep the Muslim community feel safe.
He was followed by prominent Arab American Community leader Ahmed Alyasin who spoke of the suffering of humanity around the world, especially in Gaza. Congressman Al Green called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and for the recognition of Palestine as an independent state. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee met and greet the organizers and guests. Texas Governor Greg Abbott sent a video message of Ramadan greetings.
In conclusion, a powerful message was delivered by Islamic scholar Kemal Civelek of the Islamic Institute highlighting the “Significance of Ramadan” as a month about inculcating self-control to achieve God consciousness. He spoke about societies losing their moral campus and supplicated for the whole world as it is suffering difficulties on Muslims, especially in Gaza. Fatih Bayar closed the presentations with the Aadhan or call to prayer with which people broke their fast and many rushed over to the dinner buffet tables on both sides of the hall.
Also in attendance were several City Council members including Edward Pollard; diplomats of several countries including Ambassador Khazar Ibrahim of Azerbaijan; and representatives of the Sister Cities of Houston including Houston President Susan Young; President of Abu Dhabi Sister City Jamal Bafagih, Orhan Osman of Houston Istanbul Sister City Association. Community leaders from several nationalities from around the world attended the Iftar dinner.
Stage management was coordinated by Shah Haleem, Siraj Narsi and Donya ZItaksari. Dinner was catered by Fadi’s restaurant and Tempura restaurant and Sweet Factory.
