Chicago Faith communities joined Eid celebration hosted by Urdu Samaj

On Sunday, June 5th, 2022, Urdu Samaj Chicago hosted an impressive interfaith Eid dinner and awards ceremony at Signature Banquets in Lombard. Urdu Samaj Chicago aimed at honoring all religions and their prophets and bringing followers of those religions together. Its aim was to ensure that Chicagoland’s diverse faith communities have a seat at the table and dialogue with each other. Urdu Samaj Chicago hosts events, encourages gatherings, holds Social Activities like Sports, singing and ensures that going to services isn’t the only way that you’re connecting with other Faith and community.

More than 200 people, the dinner was attended by more than 35 elected representatives, including several mayors and village presidents, members of the county assembly, top officials, interfaith leaders, and many city officials. Ali Khan, founder, and president of Urdu Samaj Chicago, along with all the members, gave a warm welcome to the guests at the main entrance. The Urdu Society of Chicago for promoting Urdu, Urdu and poetry, music, culture and literature among youth and adults. It provides a platform to engage in positive activities.

The ceremony started with a recreation and a translation of the holy Quran by Syed Abdan Ullah. The welcome address is performed by the President Urdu Samaj Ali Khan, during his speech he emphasizes on promoting communal harmony through interfaith activities. Khan added that the format of the event is designed for everyone. He further said, “The Urdu Samaj of Chicago not only participates in various programs of other religions to promote interfaith tolerance in the spirit of goodwill, but they are also invited to participate in the programs of the Urdu Samaj of Chicago. This gives followers of other religions a closer look at the tolerance and good behavior of Islam and the people of Urdu Chicago.”

Zaki Basalath was the emcee at the event and thanked all the guests who attended the Eid celebration. The evening was included with a dialogue-based discussion between Finnish spiritual leaders including Gladson Varghese, Raees Yawer, Rajinder Bir Singh Mago, Pandit Ramesh Malhan and Shoaib Khadri.

Speakers of the event conveyed that all the religions have similar teachings regarding the importance of peace and justice. Pandit Ramesh Malhan highlighted his belief in humanity. He said, "All faiths believe concepts with the same openness and love for others make us much closer to each other.”

This event is very Important especially in the current Atmosphere, where interfaith relationships are on the rise. All over the world, especially in the USA city Chicago. Urdu Samaj Chicago loves to help people of all religious backgrounds come together and celebrate their faith.

Several honorable community leaders and elected officials graced the event, including Araceli De La Cruz, Theresa Flynn, Gopal Lalmalani, Anna Valencia, Asif Malik, Maria A Reyes Mazhar Khan, Saba Khan, Mia McPherson, Ashfaq Hussain Syed, Syed Husseini, Altaf Bukhari, Onkar Singh Sangha, Evelyn Pacino Sanguinetti, and Chodri Khokhar Fritz Kaegi Cook County Assessor and several others. Awards for distinguished services were presented to Gurmeet Singh Dhalwan, Suresh Reddy, Shalini Gupta, Illinois State Representative Denyse Wang Stoneback, Dr Immad Hussain and several others. Feel so grateful to all leaders for their public service and hard work.

At the end, prayer was performed before the dinner of fast concluded the ceremony. A sumptuous dinner was served to all. In musical entertainment, there are many famous singers.