Houston, TX – Houston’s largest annual Iftar dinner took place at the Bayou City Event Center, organized in collaboration with the Mayor of Houston and Sister Cities Associations. More than 2,500 people attended the grand event.
The chief guest of the evening was Houston Mayor John Whitmire.
Event coordinator Saeed Sheikh highlighted the significance of the Iftar dinner in promoting interfaith harmony.
Prominent attendees included U.S. Congressman Al Green, American businessman Javed Anwar, business tycoon Tanweer Ahmed, prominent Arab community leader Ahmed Al-Yasin and numerous diplomats, senior government officials, and distinguished community leaders graced the event.
Like every year, this year as well, Houston hosted the largest annual Iftar dinner in the United States. The event commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran.
A special video message from Texas Governor Greg Abbott was displayed on the big screen, in which he extended Ramadan greetings to American Muslims.
The Iftar dinner was organized with the collaboration of the City of Houston, Sister Cities Associations, and various Muslim organizations, including the Islamic Society of Greater Houston. The event saw the presence of notable figures, including Congressman Al Green, businessman Javed Anwar, business tycoon Tanweer Ahmed, diplomats, high-ranking officials, and community leaders.
During the event, Houston Mayor John Whitmire and Congressman Al Green presented certificates of appreciation to Iftar Dinner Coordinator Saeed Sheikh and his team for successfully organizing the grand event. Also Houston Mayor marked
The hall erupted with chants of “Al Green! Al Green!” when Congressman Al Green took the stage. He is the only U.S. representative who has made a bold call for the establishment of a separate state for the oppressed Palestinian people amid the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Speaking to the media at the event, Mayor John Whitmire stated that the situation in Gaza is a tragedy for both sides but emphasized that there is no place for hate in the world.
Congressman Al Green said he is unaware of any U.S. travel bans on Muslim countries. However, he stated that if any travel restrictions were imposed based on religion, he would not support them.
Iftar Dinner Coordinator Saeed Sheikh expressed that the grand success of the event is a testament to the commitment of the American Muslim community towards religious harmony, peace, and tolerance in the U.S.
The event also featured speeches by Imran Ghazi, President of the Islamic Society of Greater Houston, and prominent Arab community leader Ahmed Yasin.
Adding to the significance of the event, Houston Mayor John Whitmire officially proclaimed March 9, 2025, as “Houston Iftar 2025 Day” to honor the longstanding tradition of the city’s largest interfaith Iftar dinner. The proclamation highlighted the event’s role in fostering cultural and religious diversity, bringing together people of different backgrounds, and promoting peace and unity. It also recognized the efforts of event coordinator Saeed Sheikh and patron Syed Javed Anwar in organizing the 26th annual Houston Iftar Dinner.
The proclamation underscored the Houston Iftar’s importance as a gathering that strengthens interfaith ties and reinforces the shared values of respect and dignity for all residents, regardless of race, color, religion, or origin.
By declaring an official day in its honor, the City of Houston reaffirmed its commitment to inclusivity and religious harmony, making the Iftar Dinner a significant milestone in the city’s cultural and social calendar.
scrumptious Iftar dinner was served with the collaboration of Fadi’s and Tampura catering.
