Attended by lawmakers, White House officials, and leaders of the Muslim community, the Muslim World League brings together representatives of faiths and policymakers for the first-ever Ramadan Iftar in the U.S. Congress.
The Senior Advisor to the President at the White House: I appreciate the MWL’s efforts to promote peace.
Leaders of the American Muslim community: The Iftar represents a qualitative shift and an important step that serves the Muslim community within the most important American institutions.
Dr. Al-Issa: The entire Muslim community respects national constitutions by "representing the true essence of Islam."
Dr. Al-Issa:“Muslims around the world are a source of pride for their homelands, demonstrating sincerity and positive engagement with all members of society.”
Washington, D.C.
The Muslim World League (MWL) hosted the first-of-its-kind Ramadan Iftar at the U.S. Congress, bringing together a diverse audience from the Islamic community, followers of other faiths, and policymakers from both political parties.
This initiative aims to strengthen bonds of understanding and coexistence between the Muslim community and followers of other religions, aligning with the MWL’s global efforts and reaffirming its leadership role in representing Muslim communities in accordance with its mandate.
On this occasion, His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the MWL and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars, addressed the attendees via a video message. He emphasized that the MWL, through its religious initiatives, strives to foster the values of coexistence and cooperation between Muslim communities and others. He noted that hosting this Iftar, which was attended by a broad spectrum of American society, represents a significant step in strengthening the bonds of friendship and mutual trust within America’s diverse society.
During his speech, which was observed by members of Congress from both the Republican and Democratic parties, along with religious leaders, His Excellency explained that the purpose of inviting followers of other faiths to this gathering was to highlight the meaning of Ramadan, a month of fasting that embodies a deep spiritual understanding of this religious observance. He added, "Ramadan allows us to appreciate Allah’s blessings upon us, recognize the struggles of the less fortunate around the world, and, at the same time, serves as a test of piety, self-discipline, and devotion to Allah through fasting."
His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa emphasized, in a general call, the importance of respecting the constitutions and national laws in every country, stressing that the entire Muslim community works towards this by "representing the true essence of Islam."
He stated, “Muslims around the world are a source of pride for their homelands, demonstrating sincerity and positive engagement with all members of society.” He further urged them to actively contribute to promoting harmony, tolerance, integration, and coexistence, as well as national cohesion. He highlighted that the MWL consistently stresses the necessity of upholding shared human values to help societies address challenges, particularly hate speech and theories of civilizational conflict.
In her remarks, Mrs. Paula White-Cain, Senior Advisor to President Donald Trump for the White House Faith Office, affirmed that President Trump understands the importance of respecting religious diversity in America, a nation founded on this very principle, which is included in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
Mrs. White-Cain extended deep gratitude to His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the MWL, for his international efforts in bringing people of different faiths and beliefs together to work for the common good. She concluded her speech by saying, “What an honor it is for me tonight to be here with you, delivering greetings on behalf of the White House Office of Faith. Our office, located in the West Wing just steps from the President, stands as tangible proof of President Trump’s commitment to you.”
Several attendees delivered similar speeches, commending MWL's role and emphasizing the collective responsibility to strengthen mutual respect, friendship, and cooperation. Among the prominent speakers were Margaret Kibben, Acting Chaplain of the U.S. House of Representatives, Joe Wilson, Republican Congressman from South Carolina, April McClain-Delaney, Democratic Congresswoman from Maryland, and Jennifer Korn, Director of the White House Faith Office, along with other religious representatives, diplomats, and congressional staff.
Additionally, several Islamic leaders shared remarks emphasizing the noble purpose of the Iftar gathering. Many attendees noted that this event marked a milestone and a significant step in serving the Muslim community within one of America’s most influential institutions.
