This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service - if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read the FAQ at http://ift.tt/jcXqJW.
Friday 26 Jun 2015 - 14:30 Makkah mean time-9-9-1436
(Image from the Canadian Press)
Ottawa, (IINA) - Attending the first-ever Ramadan Iftar with Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, leaders of the Canadian Muslim community have expressed hope that the gesture would translate into a change in the government rhetoric about the religious community, according to media reports.
The Iftar, held last Monday, was the first one Harper hosted. He welcomed 40 members of the Muslim community into 24 Sussex Drive, Ottawa to break their Ramadan fasts alongside members of his government.
“This event certainly came as a surprise to many given the government’s record of action that has alienated, marginalized, many Canadian Muslim communities,” said Ihsaan Gardee, executive director of the National Council of Canadian Muslims, IPolitics reported on Wednesday.
“Given that it is election season, we hope that this event is not merely a vote-soliciting tactic but a real sign of change of tone and attitude.”
The government’s relationship with Canadian Muslims has grown increasingly fraught over the past year over attempts to ban niqab or new security measures targeting the religious community.
In his speech at the dinner, Harper said his house ultimately belongs to all Canadians and hopes everyone can share in the blessings of the month. He also noted that according to tradition those who host an Iftar bring goodness upon themselves.
“This house belongs ultimately to all Canadians, and I hope all Canadians, especially our Muslim friends and neighbours, share in these blessings tonight.”
SM/IINA
|
No comments:
Post a Comment