Historic Iftar with diplomats at Islamic Center of Naperville, Il

Chicago IL: Islamic Center of Naperville located at 2844 west Ogden Ave, Naperville, IL. hosted Iftar for more than 700 community members of ICN with Consul General of India, Dr. Ausaf Sayeed and Consul General of Pakistan, Mr. Faisal Niaz Tirmizi. Friday, June 26th 2015 was no ordinary night for the Islamic Center of Naperville. ICN made history by hosting the consul General's of the two largest nations in South Asia.

The Program Emcee Sadia Covert kick started the event by inviting  Shakh Rizwan Ali, ICN’s Resident Scholar who spoke about the significance of the month of Ramadan and what fasting means for Muslims. This was followed by a recitation from the Quran by Shaykh Ismail AlQady who is the Resident Qari (one who recites the Quran). English translation was provided by Ayan Beg, a Boy Scout.

The program continued with everyone in the room rising and placing their right hands on their chest to recite the Pledge of Allegiance by ICN’s very own Boy Scouts Troop. The Scouts continued with the flag ceremony proudly holding up the American flag. It was an emotional moment for many in attendance to see our boys holding the American flag high.

This ceremony was followed by welcome address by Mr. Aadil Farid, President, Islamic Center of Naperville. Aadil warmly greeted and welcomed the guests. He said that the purpose of ICN is to serve Allah SWT first and serve the needs of Muslims and the larger community.

ICN was established in 1992 with 50 families and today there are over 3500 families with professionals in the field of medicine, Information Technology and other fields. The ICN community largely consists of people from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. However, there are a number of families from Egypt, Jordan, Somalia, Iraq, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and various other countries who are an integral part of ICN.

ICN is the place where all the cultural differences melt away by the Love of Allah SWT and the passionate character of our beloved prophet PBUH.

ICN works very closely with people of other faiths to serve humanity whether it is Nepal earthquake, alleviating hunger and poverty, or just visiting and comforting sick in the local community. Whether it is a Christian, Jewish or Hindu initiative, ICN takes a leading role in supporting such initiatives. ICN encourages its community members to follow the principles of Tolerance, Justice, Peace and Progress – the core values of ICN.

Dr. Ausaf Sayeed addressed the ICN community and spoke about the importance of fasting, Ramadan, and unity. Mr. Sayeed said, Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims all over the world in which they fast from sunrise to sunset. Mr. Sayeed also said that it is a time where Muslims spend their days and nights reflecting, worshipping, doing more charity than usual, and connecting with their neighbors. Mr. Sayeed advised Naperville community to come forward and share their thoughts/ views at Indian Consulate office in downtown.

"Every Muslim should  enlighten the authentic, genuine  meaning of Islam to rest of the word, which means piece, unity, brotherhood, compassion, respect for other religions etc. This is the time we should make non-Muslims understand real message of Prophet and enlighten that the faith does not represent intolerance and violence "Said by Consul General of India, Dr. Ausaf Sayeed.

Mr. Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Consul General of Pakistan while addressing the ICN Community expressed his gratitude and thanked everyone for inviting him to ICN. He agreed with his colleague Dr Sayeed about the importance of fasting, Ramadan, and unity.  He expressed happiness to get connected with so many people from South Asian and Arab background under one roof. The atmosphere of the event was very welcoming and comforting.

"I am honored to be invited here on such Historic day in the month of Ramazan.  Traditionally the Mosque has played very essential pivotal  role in presenting and propagating our religion. Besides elucidation and promoting religion It also serves as multipurpose center like promoting Islamic spirituality and education, community and governmental  development and harmony etc.  This ICN mosque is similar multifunctional institute which has served our community well since its inception.  I urge our Muslim brothers in our community to build bridge between various other communities like Caucasians, African Americans, Hindus, Sikhs etc. to elucidate true meaning Islam. I also urge young generation to proliferate and branch out in many other areas of professions in to this country such as journalism, policy makers,  esteem athletes to represent professional team  etc"said by Mr. Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Consul General of Pakistan. 

Mr. Ashfaq Hussain Syed presented special mementos to Dr. Sayeed and Mr. Faisal Niaz Tirmizi and vote of thanks was presented by Mr. Moin Haque, Chairman of the PEO Committee at ICN.

The program was concluded by a prayer by Shaykh Rizwan. People who were fasting broke their fast together with dates, fruit, and samosas. There was a positive energy in the room that put smiles on people’s faces that evening. The evening continued with a tour of the mosque and an explanation of all of ICN’s programs offered by President Aadil Farid. The children gathered in a crowd to greet the dignitaries by saying "Peace". It was a successful evening with laughter and joy in the air while India and Pakistan came together the night of June 26th at the Islamic Center of Naperville. Many guests were happy to see the two Consul Generals mixing and meeting with the community people at ICN.