Representative André Carson (D-IN), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), and Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) are the hosts for the 2021 virtual National Iftar. You don’t have to be an American or a Muslim to enjoy the history-making speakers, stirring performances for all ages, and an intimate conversation with the three Muslim members of Congress on the most pressing issues of our times. The event will be streamed Thursday, April 22, 2021, 7p.

An iftar is the meal that Muslims share to break their fast during the holy month of Ramadan. The National Iftar is not a devotional event. The program will last about 50 minutes.

The line-up also includes thought-provoking reflections from scholar Dr. Omid Safi, Islam's Biggest Rockstar Sami Yusuf, and Super Bowl champion Ryan Harris. The Reminders and Naïmah, popular Muslim artists, will perform to inspire attendees of all ages.

Aasif Mandvi, Samantha Bee and Zainab Johnson; State Representatives Christopher Benjamin (D-FL), Mauree Turner (D-OK), and Madinah Wilson-Anton (D-DE); filmmaker Adam McKay, and community activitist group Ismailis Rise Up will offer a quick round of Ramadan greetings.

Benjamin, Turner, and Wilson-Anton are three of the first-ever Muslim lawmakers elected to their state legislatures. The other two are Iman Jodeh (D-CO) and Gambian-American Samba Baldeh (D-WI). We featured Baldeh on the first episode of Port Of Harlem Talk Radio.

The National Iftar will similarly bring people together from across the country to celebrate virtually. It will conclude around sundown as Muslims in New York City break their fast to allow everyone time to eat on their own.

“We’ve intentionally designed this year’s event for a wide audience. We hope it will provide allies with a meaningful way to show solidarity, learn about issues facing American Muslims, and witness the beauty of this holy month,” says the event’s organizers, Muslim Advocates.

Muslim Advocates is a national civil rights organization that works in communities, in the courts, and in the halls of power to advance the rights of American Muslims and all people. This is a free event, but registration is required. Shortly before the event, you will receive a link to the page where you can watch the program.