| Governor's Third Annual Iftar |
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| Written by Administrator |
| Saturday, 09 May 2009 05:41 |
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Governor's Third Annual Iftar (Ramadan 2007) By Robert King
September 26, 2007
Muslims from across Indiana broke their daily Ramadan fast under the Statehouse rotunda Tuesday evening in an event that Gov. Mitch Daniels says he has come to look forward to each year. On an evening when recitations of the Quran echoed through the halls of power, Daniels told more than 300 Muslims that their faith, values and sense of optimism are contributing to Indiana's prosperity.
"The Muslim community as I have come to know it," Daniels said, "is a talented, principled, value-driven, faithful and very strong contributing factor to the promise of Indiana."
The fast-breaking, known as an "iftar," was the third Daniels has hosted. Last year, it was held at the governor's official residence. Muslim groups have picked up the tab each time.
Daniels greeted 13 state employees who are Muslim and posed for pictures with imams, lawyers, doctors and educators. He accepted gifts of a Turkish rug, towels from Pakistan and original artwork.
Those attending said Daniels' recognition has important symbolic value. The dinner came the same day a new poll showed a growing number of Americans are suspicious of Muslims.
"It is important because Muslims are an important and integral part of society. We want to be involved in everyday life," said Mohammad Ansari, a Muncie plastic surgeon originally from India. "It's very reassuring and comforting."
Kamran Mirza, owner of a construction company in Fort Wayne, said the event helps show the state is open to helping Muslims and their businesses and willing to block prejudice.
"It shows the people in the state that he feels the Muslim community is giving contributions to the state," Mirza said.
For 18-year-old Omar Malik, Plainfield, the event represented his first trip to the Statehouse and his first encounter with the governor.
Malik read the Quran in Arabic for the audience. In light of the difficulties U.S. Muslims have faced since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, he said, the experience held deep meaning.
"For everyone to be so open and so willing to let us practice our religion in the Statehouse is a big thing."
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| Last Updated on Saturday, 09 May 2009 05:43 |