Annual Ramadan Fast-Breaking Held on Capitol Hill

October 12, 2005

Source: Yahoo! News / U.S. Newswire

http://news.yahoo.com/s/usnw/20051012/pl_usnw/ramadan_iftar_held_on_capitol_hill211_xml

On October 12, 2005 U.S. Newswire reported, "Almost 100 congressional staffers, American Muslim community leaders and diplomats from Islamic-majority nations turned out last night for the third annual Ramadan 'iftar,' or fast-breaking meal, on Capitol Hill. The iftar, held in the Rayburn House Office Building, was co- sponsored by 11 House members and coordinated by the Washington- based Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), America's largest Muslim civil liberties group. It featured the breaking of the fast, the Islamic sunset prayer (maghrib) and remarks by CAIR officials and representatives of House members... 'This annual tradition is designed to foster greater understanding of Islam and the Muslim community on Capitol Hill,' said CAIR Executive Director Nihad Awad, who spoke at last night's event. 'It is also intended to show appreciation for congressional staffers who have been working closely with American Muslims.'"