SALAM Islamic Center Hosts the Annual Interfaith Iftar
Faith, Knowledge, and Service
On Wednesday, March 4, 2026, SALAM Islamic Center welcomed faith leaders, public officials, educators, community partners, and neighbors for its 25th Annual Interfaith Iftar, held during the blessed month of Ramadan. This year’s gathering carried the theme “Faith, Knowledge, and Service,” reflecting the values that have guided SALAM’s work over the past quarter century.
Br. Omar Altamimi, Vice Chair of the SALAM Board of Trustees, served as the master of ceremonies and welcomed guests to the milestone gathering. In his remarks, he reflected on the importance of interfaith connection, noting that fasting traditions exist across many faith communities and that the evening served as an opportunity to strengthen relationships and build bridges of understanding during a time when unity and compassion are deeply needed.
Remarks and Community Reflections
Br. Omar MoheyEldin, Chair of the SALAM Board of Trustees, delivered the Chairman’s welcome, reflecting on SALAM’s history and its commitment to education and community service. He shared the story behind SALAM’s founding vision, rooted in the Qur’anic command “Iqra” (Read), and how the center was intentionally built across from American River College to foster a strong connection with education and learning.
He also spoke about recent milestones for the community, including the launch of the Center for Higher Islamic Learning and the acquisition of the SALAM Arden Center, an 11,000-square-foot facility near Sacramento State University that will expand educational opportunities and community services.
Address by California Attorney General Rob Bonta
A highlight of the evening was the presence of California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who joined the gathering and shared remarks about the importance of protecting communities and upholding civil rights. In his address, he spoke about the role of his office in defending California families, safeguarding constitutional rights, and standing up for vulnerable communities across the state. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that all residents feel safe, respected, and protected under the law.
Attorney General Bonta presented an official recognition honoring SALAM Islamic Center, acknowledging the center’s long-standing service to the Sacramento region and its efforts in fostering community engagement, education, and interfaith collaboration.
Youth Voices
One of the most meaningful moments of the evening came through a presentation by two youth from different faith backgrounds—a Muslim student from the SALAM community and her Catholic friend—who spoke about their friendship and the ways they support one another in their faith journeys. Their reflections offered a powerful example of what genuine interfaith connection can look like at a personal level.
The two students shared how their friendship has allowed them to learn from one another’s traditions while remaining grounded in their own beliefs. They spoke about attending events together, asking questions about each other’s practices, and encouraging one another in their spiritual growth. Just as meaningful was the role their families played in nurturing this friendship, supporting their connection and modeling respect and openness across faith traditions.
Their message captured the spirit of the evening: that interfaith understanding begins not only in formal gatherings, but also in everyday relationships built on trust, curiosity, and mutual respect.
SALAM Distinguished Award
During the program, SALAM also presented its Distinguished Award to Dr. Lisa Cardoza, President of American River College, recognizing her leadership and her institution’s longstanding partnership with the SALAM community. Her recognition reflected the strong relationship between SALAM and local educational institutions and the shared commitment to learning and opportunity.
Keynote Address
The evening’s keynote address was delivered by Imam Tahir Anwar, respected scholar and community leader from the San Francisco Bay Area and instructor at Zaytuna College. Speaking on the evening’s theme of Faith, Knowledge, and Service, Imam Tahir reflected on the role of faith in shaping ethical leadership, the pursuit of knowledge as a sacred responsibility, and the importance of service in strengthening communities.
Breaking the Fast Together
As sunset approached, the adhan (call to prayer) was made, and guests joined the Muslim community in breaking the fast together. Many guests chose to observe the Maghrib prayer, experiencing firsthand a central moment of Muslim worship.
The evening then continued with a shared iftar dinner, prepared in the SALAM chef by Chef Khalid, followed by conversation and fellowship among attendees.
A Night of Connection
The Interfaith Iftar has become a meaningful annual tradition at SALAM over the past twenty-five years. It is a space where people of different faiths and backgrounds come together to listen, reflect, and strengthen relationships built on mutual respect and shared values.
SALAM Islamic Center extends heartfelt thanks to all who attended, including our honored guests, faith leaders, community partners, sponsors, volunteers, and staff who made the evening possible.
As we celebrate 25 years of community building, we remain committed to continuing the work of fostering understanding, knowledge, and service for generations to come.
