(OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, 4/6/2022) – On Friday, April 8 (7 p.m.), the Oklahoma chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-OK), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, will hold its Annual Ramadan Iftar with our Elected Leaders at the Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma City. NOTE: An Iftar (IF-tar) is the meal eaten to break the fast at the end of each day, after sundown.
SEE: 2022 Ramadan Iftar with our Elected Leaders
https://www.cairoklahoma.com/2022iftar/
This year’s Iftar will feature a keynote speech by Mayor David Holt, as well as remarks from Oklahoma City Councilwoman Nicki Nice, Senator Mary Boren, and Senator George E. Young Sr.
“The annual Ramadan Iftar with our Elected Leaders is a time for us to share the blessed month of Ramadan with our community and engage with those who represent us at all levels of government,” said Executive Director Adam Soltani. “In a country where the unfortunate atmosphere of Islamophobia still exists, it is increasingly important for the Muslim community to remain civically engaged as a way of combating hateful rhetoric.”
“Through bringing the experience of Ramadan and Iftar to our elected leaders, we are strengthening the connection between the Oklahoma Muslim community and the lawmakers who shape policy for all of us,” said Civil Rights Director Veronica Laizure. “Our ability to advocate for our community depends on events like this that allow us to focus on the things we share and our common goals.”
Ramadan (rahm-a-DAHN) is the month on the Islamic lunar calendar during which Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other sensual pleasures from the break of dawn until sunset. The fast is performed in order to increase self-discipline, self-restraint, and generosity, and the community is encouraged to increase their volunteerism, charity, and prayer. Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, along with the declaration of faith, daily prayers, charity, and pilgrimage to Mecca.
The end of Ramadan is marked by communal prayers and celebration called “Eid ul-Fitr” (EED ul-FITr), or Feast of the Fast-breaking.
CAIR Oklahoma is the state’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.