New Generation Muslim Elected Officials hosted Striking Ramadan Dinner

The two new Generation Elected Officials hosted Striking Iftar Dinner in Chicago. Muslims elected officials Bushra Amiwala and Mohammed Saleem invited about 250 guests for the inaugural community iftar, Iftar including members of multi faiths and apart from friends, important personalities from different walks of life of the Chicagoland community participated in the grand Iftar. Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton was the Chief Guest at the event.

Bushra Amiwala the youngest Muslim to hold office in the United States and Mohammed Saleem Lincolnwood newly elected trustee organized a special Iftar dinner program in honor of the Chicagoland Muslim community to promote and strengthen harmony between Multifaith communities. They have been planning for Ramadan Community Dinner for a couple months. Finally, they hosted on Wednesday, April 22nd, 2022. The theme of the evening was about the significance of Ramadan. This year, Ramadan began April 2 and will likely end May 2.

Muhammad Amiwala and Amina Saleem were the moderator of the event who thanked the community members who have attended this event and he also thanks to the participants, special guests, and elected officials.

The ceremony began with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Habib Quadri. The program had several speakers Habib Quadri, Ahmed Mustafa from google, State Senator Ram Villivalam, Bushra Amiwala, Muhammad Saleem, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky and Keynote speaker was Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton.

Ahmed Mustafa explains about the Significance of Ramadan. He said, “Ramadan is the holiest month throughout the year for Muslims. Many celebrate by congregating regularly in the evenings, reading the holy book Quran, and fasting from sunrise to sunset. During Ramadan, it is common to avoid eating and drinking, which includes water, while the sun is up.”

Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky emphasized about Bushra Amiwala, “I am proud of her. She also announced that she is promoting and working on an anti-Islamophobia bill with the support of another Congresswoman, Omer Ilhan.

Mohammed Saleem said, “This kind of event was impossible two years ago. This is the month of giving, forgiveness, and self-discipline. I am truly humble to all the guests including elected officials to join this iftar.”

Speakers of the Ramadan Dinner attending the Iftar dinner also expressed solidarity with the Muslim and Pakistani community and good wishes for Ramadan. Keynote Speaker Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton said, “Today, I am incredibly thankful to Bushra Amiwala and Saleem Mohammed for inviting me to the Inaugural community iftar. Bushra is truly admiring me. She is like a sister in public service. We live in a diverse state. We are a human family. Ramadan is a time to do good deeds. This celebration reminds me of the power of community and blessing for you guys. Last December our state declared every month of January is Muslim American Month.”

Senator Ram Villivalam said, “I am having a privileged to have worked with our Muslim community in my district and in general assembly. Last year in Illinois, We have passed several laws impacting the Muslim community. Allowing student-athletes to modify uniforms for cultural or religious reasons without penalty. Requiring public schools to cover contributions made by Muslims and Muslim Americans in history classes All of my bill promotes a community of understanding, peace, and harmony.”

At the end Ms. Bushra Amiwala thanks everyone who attended this community iftar. She also thanks sponsors and volunteers in her closing remarks.

Prayer was performed before the breaking of fast concluded the ceremony. All the Guests dined delicious meals, conversed, and exchanged congratulations on Ramadan. The program was totally well organized, prestigious, and enjoyed by the attendees and will be remembered for a long time.