WASHINGTON, DC — The American Muslim and Multifaith Women’s Empowerment Council (AMMWEC) hosted its annual Interfaith Iftar last week in collaboration with the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) at the historic Washington Times building — bringing together faith leaders, community members, and government officials for an evening of prayer, reflection, and shared humanity.

The District of Columbia government’s representative, Charity Beam, attended and praised the gathering in warm terms, calling it “a beautiful and powerful gathering” that reflects the very best of the city’s religious diversity. She noted that Washington was blessed with extraordinary religious diversity — from historic and resilient Black churches to vibrant mosques, synagogues, temples, and congregations representing traditions from around the world. “This diversity is a source of strength,” she said.

The spiritual heart of the evening was a moving Interfaith “Water of Life” Ceremony led by Tomiko Duggan, Global IAPD Coordinator of UPF International, centered on themes of life, purification, and shared spiritual thirst. The ceremony wove together symbols and language resonant across traditions, offering a rare moment of unified contemplation in an increasingly fragmented world.

Guests observed Iftar alongside their Muslim attendees, breaking the fast in the traditional manner with dates and samosas as the sun descended over the capital.

One of the evening’s most memorable exchanges came from Rabbi Dan Epstein, who offered a powerful reflection on shared spiritual understanding. He noted that the term “People of the Book,” often associated with the Jewish people, does not originate in the Torah — but in the Qur’an.

The evening’s reflections ranged across traditions — encompassing fasting in Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Sikhism, and the Druze tradition. Speakers emphasized the shared spiritual heritage connecting the Abrahamic faiths and the universal values of discipline, compassion, sacrifice, and solidarity with those who suffer.

Anila Ali, President of AMMWEC, spoke to the deeper purpose animating the gathering — not as a ceremonial exercise, but as a living demonstration of what faith communities can build together.

In her closing remarks, Ali underscored the continuity between faith traditions across centuries, citing a Qur’anic verse to draw the threads together:

Ali described fasting as not merely a ritual, but “a spiritual bridge linking communities across centuries” — one that connects Muslims to Jews, Christians, and believers across every tradition who have practiced self-denial as a path to closeness with the divine.

The evening concluded with fellowship, a dinner, and a vibrant cultural performance by Algerian musician Kamel Zennia, whose music reinforced the evening’s celebration of cultural diversity within a shared spiritual framework. The warm reception of guests from across faiths and backgrounds reflected the inclusive spirit AMMWEC has championed since its founding.

AMMWEC continues its mission to elevate moderate Muslim voices and strengthen interfaith collaboration across the United States and globally. For more information, visit AMMWEC coverage at FFN or follow AMMWEC’s ongoing programs.