Annual Muslim/Catholic Interfaith Program and Iftar
Chicago, IL (June 9, 2017) – The Islamic Foundation North (IFN) in Libertyville, Illinois will host the Annual Muslim/Catholic Interfaith Program and Iftar on Monday, June 12, 2017.The Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago sponsors this event during Ramadan and invites Chicago’s Catholic community to celebrate their mutual friendship and to promote interreligious dialogue.
Vaseem Iftekhar, IFN President, Bishop George J. Rassas, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese, and Dr. Bassam Osman, CIOGC’s Board Chairman, will open the evening’s program with welcoming remarks. Catholic and Muslim perspectives on the 2017 theme, "Obligations to Speak and Reflect the Truth in Society," will be offered by two keynote speakers: Dr. Melanie Barrett, Chairperson and Assistant Professor in the Department of Moral Theology at the University of St. Mary of the Lake; and Imam Kareem M. Irfan, Chair of the CIOGC Interfaith Committee.
“May the religious insights and blessings that flow from fasting, prayer and good works sustain you, with God’s help, on the path of peace and goodness to care for all members of the human family and for the whole of creation,” stated a message issued by the Vatican on behalf of Pope Francis to Muslims for Ramadan.
The program portion of the evening will conclude at sunset, followed by prayers and breaking of the fast (Iftar) dinner. During the Holy Month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. Their evening meal traditionally begins with something to drink and a sweet, often dates. For additional information about the Islamic observance of Ramadan, please visit https://eia.archchicago.org