To celebrate the holy month of Ramadan, lawmakers are hosting virtual iftar to ensure American Muslims can fellowship with leaders in the community safely amid the coronavirus pandemic.
What We Know:
- Announced via a press release, the congressional celebration will take place on May 12, co-chaired by Reps. Andre Carson, Ilhan Omar, Rashid Tlaib, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, Imam Khalid Latif, Imam W. Deen Shareef, and artist Aisha Fukushina are among those scheduled to give remarks.
- Iftars – nightly gatherings marking the end of the day’s fast – are a crucial and beloved part of Ramadan. Indiana Congressman Andre Carson raised the possibility of virtual iftars in an interview with The Root earlier this month. “I will certainly miss the camaraderie, the spiritual rejuvenation many of us get from this observation is something that you really can’t describe,” he said. “You have to experience it.”
“Now, more than ever, it is important we practice that no one is outside our circle of compassion. By coming together for The National Iftar, we are creating friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.” – Attorney General Ellison
- The Congressional Iftar will balance the need for community solidarity and celebration with the responsibility to keep the public safe and mitigate the spread of the virus.
Those interested in participating can register for the event here.
