Indianapolis, Indiana: Governor Mitch Daniels hosted Muslim leaders from across Indiana in Indiana’s first ever iftar at the Statehouse. Muslims fast from dawn to dusk during the month of Ramadan. The “iftar” is the breaking of the fast at dusk. The Muslim Alliance of Indiana (MAI) worked with Governor Daniels in inviting Muslim leaders from as far as Lawrenceburg, Evansville, Fort Wayne and South Bend. Over 70 Muslim leaders from across the state were in attendance.

“This is a historic event,” stated Dr Ibad Ansari, President of MAI, “Muslim Hoosiers in making Indiana strong and vibrant and this event symbolizes an invitation from the Governor for us to become involved in Indiana’s comeback.” The MAI first approached Governor Daniels during his gubernatorial campaign. Since then there has been a series of dialogues which resulted in invitations of MAI leadership to the Governors inauguration, the first ever Muslim Day at the Statehouse, representatives of the Governor attending MAI’s Annual Iftars, and closer relationships between Muslim businessmen and the Governor’s economic development team.

“Indiana has always been the capital of Muslims in North America due to the adoption of Plainfield as the site of the headquarters of the Islamic Society of North America,” stated Dr Sayyed M. Syeed, Secretary General of the Islamic Society of North America. “I am glad that yet again Indiana has proven itself to be a leader in embracing and celebrating diversity.”

The event started with the breaking of the fast during which participants opened their fast with dates, fruit and other refreshments. The participants then offered their evening prayers as a congregation in the rotunda lead by Imam Michael Saahir. This was followed by the recitation of the Quran, opening remarks by Khadijah Muhammad, welcoming remarks by Dr Ibad Ansari and Dr Sayyid M. Syeed, Secretary General of the Islamic Society of North America. Governor Daniels welcomed the participants to the statehouse and gave a moving speech on the importance of all Hoosiers coming together for Indiana’s comeback. Governor Daniels was presented an award by Dr Haroon Qazi, Chairman of the Indiana Muslim Community Association, on behalf of the Muslim Alliance of Indiana. The event concluded with Governor Daniels giving the participants a tour of his office.

For further information contact:
Shariq Siddiqui
317-716-0744
siddiquisa@gmail.com