Interfaith and Multicultural Flavours of Iftar 2026 [Part 1/2] скачать в хорошем качестве

Interfaith and Multicultural Flavours of Iftar 2026 [Part 1/2]

The Interfaith & Multicultural Iftar event held on February 22, 2026 at the City Hall Rotunda in Kitchener, was an outstanding and truly memorable success. Organized by Baitul Kareem Mosque and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama`at Canada. [This is part 1 of 2 of the entire event.] The evening welcomed more than 250 distinguished dignitaries and community leaders, faith leaders and general guests. The program moderated by Nabeel Rana (Event Coordinator) began with the recitation of the Holy Qur'an & English translation. Welcome remarks were delivered by President Dr Ahmad Imran of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama`at Cambridge. A highlight of the evening was the vibrant multicultural panel, featuring speakers from Europe (Amar Cerimovic), the Middle East (Basheer Odeh) , Central America (Tyab Yaqoob), and South Asia (Imam Aneeq Ahmad), who beautifully shared how Ramadan is observed in their respective regions. The interfaith segment was equally inspiring, with scholars representing Hinduism (Dr. Neil Arya), Judaism (Bob Chodus), Christianity (Reverend Paul Poolton), and Islam (Imam Mubashir Badar) offering thoughtful reflections on the philosophy and spiritual significance of fasting within their traditions. The program was further enriched by heartwarming presentations from our children. Young participants from South Asia recited a moving poem in praise of Allah, while children from Africa presented a Qaseeda in honour of the Holy Prophet (sa). Several dignitaries were invited to share brief greetings, reflecting the spirit of unity and mutual respect that defined the evening. This included greetings from the Mayor of Kitchener Berry Vrbanovic, Mayor of Cambridge Jan Liggett, MP Tim Louis, MP Dr. Matt Strauss, Regional Chair Karen Redman and Chief Police Mark Cowan of Waterloo Regional Police Service. Dozens of other faith leaders, community leaders and Church leaders were recognized for being in the audience. One of the hallmarks of this year's event is the historic participation of three diplomats from a Consulate of a Middle Eastern country in Toronto and representatives from Miracle Arena Church of Dr Danso traveling from Toronto in extreme weather. The Adhan was called beautifully, followed by the breaking of the fast, congregational prayer, and dinner — all in an atmosphere of harmony, dialogue, and brotherhood. The event truly embodied the spirit of Ramadan: faith, diversity, service, and unity.