Archdiocese of Chicago Will Join with the Muslim Community to Mark the Breaking of the Ramadan Fast at the 23rd Annual Muslim-Catholic Iftar on Tues., April 5, 2022, at the Islamic Foundation North in Libertyville
Chicago - (April 5, 2022) – The Archdiocese of Chicago will join with the Muslim community to mark the end of the Ramadan fast at the 23rd Annual Muslim-Catholic Iftar dinner and program on Tues., April 5, 2022, from 6 – 8:15 p.m. at the Islamic Foundation North, 1751 O’Plaine Rd., in Libertyville. Sponsored by the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago (CIOGC), the annual interfaith Iftar commemorates breaking the Ramadan fast, observing maghrib prayer and sharing a festive dinner and program. The Iftar is a private event.
“Gathering again to mark this sacred observance as brothers and sisters continues to unite us in friendship, dialogue and collaboration,” said Cardinal Cupich. “Ramadan offers us this special opportunity to celebrate our common faith values and achieve universal peace.”
Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, will provide remarks and Sally Blount, chief executive officer of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, will offer a reflection on the evening’s theme, “Kindness and its Practice: Being a Welcoming Community.” Sheikh Rizwan Ali, Imam and religious director of the Islamic Center of Naperville, and Irshad Khan, chairman of the CIOGC, will provide comments.
A dinner will be served after the fast is broken at dusk, compliments of the CIOGC.
“Wonderful to have our annual Muslim-Catholic Iftar Dinner returning in person,” said Khan. “I am honored to host his Eminence Cardinal Blase J. Cupich with joy.”
Considered the holiest month of the year for Muslims, Ramadan is a time of increased spiritual reflection and prayer. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset as a means of learning self-control, gratitude and compassion. For many of those observing Ramadan, it is a time to become closer to God, to spend more time with one’s family and to give to those in need. Ramadan 2022 began in Chicago on the evening of Saturday, April 2 and ends the evening of Sunday, May 2.
