Rep. Munira Hosts Iftar Dinner at the Ohio Statehouse

COLUMBUS - State Rep. Munira Abdullahi (D-Columbus), the first Muslim Representative to be elected into the house hosted a historic Iftar Dinner at the Ohio Statehouse. The event celebrated the fast-breaking evening meal, called iftar, during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. This event was one of the first of its kind to be celebrated in the Ohio Statehouse. Guests of all religious backgrounds attended the celebration, which featured interfaith speakers, community leaders, and representatives from the House Democratic leadership team and Columbus City Council. 

“This was a historic day for Ohio’s Muslim community. To have the ‘people’s house’ filled with so many constituents from all over Ohio with various backgrounds, many of whom had never stepped foot in the statehouse. I am honored to have hosted this interfaith Ramadan iftar dinner that provided a new experience for all the non-muslims in attendance, bridging conversations, and great food,” said Rep. Munira. “Iftar or iftar dinner is not only a time when fasting individuals get to eat finally but there is also equal importance in having this meal facilitate bonding between families and communities by sharing that meal with others. I can proudly state we accomplished this simple but still very remarkable feat.”

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is a sacred time of reflection, community, charity, and faith for Muslims across the world. During the month-long celebration, the majority of Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset and traditionally break their fasts together at iftar.