Guests from various faiths and of all ages went home with full hearts and bellies, gifted Qurans, and Ramadan flyer goodies from Food Basics after a recent event in Ajax.
On April 4, diverse GTA residents gathered for an interfaith iftar (fast-breaking) event, hosted by the Sayyidah Zainab Muslim Community Centre in collaboration with Food Basics.
This marked the first time in the history of the Islamic Supreme Council of Canada (ISCC) affiliate masjids (mosques) that a major Canadian corporation sponsored the entire program.
“Beyond our formal interfaith program, the Iftar event offers a welcoming space for attendees to connect and learn about each other’s traditions,” said Zahid Rafique, volunteer president at the Sayyidah Zainab Muslim Community Centre. “The event fosters a spirit of unity, respect, and peace within Canadian Societies.”
Islam is the second most popular religion in Ajax and Muslims are the fastest-growing religious group in the country.
“The idea of an interfaith iftar is to reflect and reconnect with the wider community and to remind ourselves that faith is not an isolated task but instead something which inspires — and is inspired — by the community,” said Shayan Khurshid, the community centre’s volunteer events manager.
The event was held both onsite and virtually via livestream, and residents heard from Muslim community leaders.
“Whether Muslim or non-Muslim, we share our humanity,” said ISCC chair Syed Soharwardy.
Also known as ‘the walking imam,’ he completed a 6,500-kilometre km multi-faith walk against violence across the country in 2008.
The night included Arabic and English readings of the Quran, a speech by the masjid’s Calgary-based chairman and an open-floor question-and-answer discussion. Guests enjoyed a traditional iftar from a local, Muslim-owned caterer, and Muslim guests conducted nightly prayers while non-Muslim guests observed.
