A diverse mix of cultures and faiths came together to celebrate Ramadan and the Blessing Ceremony during an interfaith Iftar dinner Saturday, June 9, 2018 at the NOVA Family Church Learning Center in Fairfax, VA. The event was the first joint effort of the Family Federation, Virginia Chapter and Express Care.
Express Care, based in Herndon, Virginia, is a humanitarian organization that provides social service information and emergency assistance to low-income families, individuals, immigrants and refugees. The Family Federation, located in Fairfax, Virginia, promotes and supports the establishment of “ideal families” as the foundation for healthy societies and a world of peace.
The program drew a crowd of about 40 representing several faiths and cultures including guests from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sudan, Colombia, Japan, Germany, and of course, USA.
Prior to the breaking of the fast at sundown, Rev. Werner Seubert, Pastor, NOVA Family Church gave an introduction to the Family Federation-VA and UPF. He emphasized that world peace begins with the family. “God is looking at our hearts,” he said.
Participants at Interfaith Iftar
The first guest speaker was Anh C. Phan, outreach representative of Senator Mark R. Warner. Phan was invited by her friend, Nalia Alam. “Hard to say no to Nalia,” she said. Phan wished everyone a happy Ramadan and meaningful fast on behalf of the senator who was unable to attend due to other engagements.
Muhammad Irfan Qureshi spoke on the meaning of Ramadan and Ifar. Iftar is the evening meal which Muslims end their daily Ramadan fast at sunset. According to Islamic belief, Ramadan is observed by Muslims as a month of fasting to commemorate the revelation of the Quran to Muhammad and is one of the five pillars upon which Islam is founded along with prayer and zakat (charity).
I served as the evening’s emcee, welcomed everyone with an enthusiastic “Welcome, Salaam, Shalom, Peace, Namaste, Sat Sri Akal,” and gave an explanation about the Interfaith Blessing Movement. Quoting the Prophet Muhammad: “No foundation has been built in Islam more loved by Allah, than marriage (and family),” I described the Interfaith Blessing Movement as “a celebration of the commitment of couples, families and extended families to love and live for the sake of others, and to realize healthy communities centered on God.”
Just before the fast was broken at sundown, Muhammad Irfan Qureshi led the Azaan (call to prayer) and offered recitation of Quran and prayer. Afterwards, everyone was invited to participate in the Blessing Ceremony, which included a toast with Holy Juice to the creator of all faiths and True Love affirming the value of healthy families and communities.
Ms. Tayyaba Samina, an Express Care volunteer recited an original poem about gender-based violence towards women and the need for greater awareness in the society.
The dinner was a delicious buffet of Pakistani Halal dishes, including dates, fruit salad with spices, date cookies, chick pea salad, Pakoras (fritters), chicken biryani, chicken korma, naan bread, salad, and assorted Pakistani desserts.
During dinner, Mrs. Naila Alam, founder & CEO of Express Care gave a heartfelt testimony about a serious personal health issue but that through her faith, she was able to recover and through this profound spiritual experience understood her calling to help others. Express Care, which she founded, provides information and assistance to low-income families, individuals, immigrants and refugees in Northern Virginia. The proceeds from the event’s donations and sale of jewelry were offered to Express Care to support their services and assistance.
Ms. Halima, an Express Care family member testified to the unselfish support she received when she first arrived in America from Sudan. “I didn’t know anyone but God led me to the Adams Center and that’s where I met Naila who helped me get settled. She brought me to her home and took care of me. She is like my sister!” Sister Halima now regularly volunteers her time at Express Care to help other recently arrived immigrants.
Dr. Zulfiqar Kazmi, executive director of The Commongrounds USA and UPF Ambassador for Peace spoke about his long-time association and many experiences with Father and Mother Moon and the principles of peace, which have impacted his own life. “I feel so blessed,” he said. “We have come together tonight for a higher purpose, and that purpose is to declare our gratitude to God, the creator of us all.”
Participants lingered at the conclusion of the program to fellowship and continue to enjoy the delicious treats.
UPF-Virginia will host a Parents’ Day program on July 14 to honor and recognize select parents as “Parents of the Year.” President Bill Clinton signed into law the resolution to establish the fourth Sunday of July as Parents’ Day in 1994. Mrs. Barbara Moseley-Marks, executive director, UPF-Virginia Chapter is the coordinator for that event.
Special thanks to Mrs. Michiko Yokoyama, coordinator, ACLC-Virginia Chapter, who helped organize the program, Mrs. Keiko Patton who prepared the delicious meal, Laura Ortiz, who took care of photography and AV, and Daisy Malik for providing the flowers.
