MERIDEN— The nation’s oldest Muslim organization is hosting Virtual Iftar events across the country this Saturday, May 9, from 6 to 7 pm, as a commemoration of Ramadan amid its historical centennial year. Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA is inviting Americans across the country to unite together in interfaith virtual iftar celebrations while still staying safe at homes as a result of the pandemic stay-at-home orders. Usually, Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA hosts Iftar open houses at mosques as part of an “Open Mosque” drive. This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, such large gatherings are not possible, but the Community wants to ensure safety measures do not prevent Americans from coming together in friendship, prayer, and support.

Register at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfGwyWHKubN-FJjX2arQt58aORd_jV2e1vCyLdKMnjhGFjb-Q/viewform.

Themed “Virtual Reflections on the Power of Prayer During the Pandemic,” each local event will feature guest speakers including members of US Congress, mayors, and leaders of different religious congregations who will come together to highlight that prayer and togetherness are essential now more than ever.

“While we are all physically separated, unity is the critical need of the hour, which is why we chose to host each of these events across the country on the same day to reflect on the power of prayer during this pandemic,” said Amjad Mahmood Khan, National Director for Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA. “At the same time, our mosques are engines to serve America during these trying times.”

The virtual iftars come while Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA continues to partner with its relief organization, Humanity First, and the American Red Cross to open its mosques around the country to host blood drives and address the severe shortage of blood due to the coronavirus outbreak. It also continues to partner with its youth auxiliary (Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association) to facilitate food donations to those in need. To date, over 68,000 meals have been served during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as free deliveries of groceries and medicine to over 4,200 families.

About Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA & Connecticut Chapter:

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is a dynamic, reformist and fast-growing international movement within Islam. Founded in 1889, the Community spans over 200 nations with membership in the tens of millions. Established in 1920, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA is among the oldest American-Muslim organizations.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is the only Islamic organization to believe that the long- awaited messiah has come in the person of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian, India (1835-1908). Ahmad claimed to be the metaphorical second coming of Jesus of Nazareth and the divine guide whose advent was foretold by the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad. The Community believes that God sent Ahmad, like Jesus, to end religious wars, condemn bloodshed and reinstitute morality, justice and peace. Ahmad’s advent has brought about an unprecedented era of Islamic revival and moderation. He divested Muslims of fanatical beliefs and practices by vigorously championing Islam’s true and essential teachings.

The Connecticut Chapter of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA was established in the late 1980’s. Its Mosque in Meriden was purchased in 2007, and was named Baitul Aman, “House of Peace,” by its current international leader Mirza Masroor Ahmad. In June 2016, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Meriden, Connecticut was awarded the United States Attorney’s Office National Security and Major Crimes Unit Award by the United States Attorney Deirdre M. Daly and Department of Justice for the “courage, leadership, and tremendous generosity of spirit” in an exemplary response of compassion to the shootings its Mosque sustained in November 2015.