{"id":52617,"date":"2015-06-23T13:40:36","date_gmt":"2015-06-23T05:40:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/?p=52617"},"modified":"2015-06-23T13:40:36","modified_gmt":"2015-06-23T05:40:36","slug":"harper-invites-muslim-leaders-to-24-sussex-to-break-the-ramadan-fast-on-monday","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/2015\/06\/23\/harper-invites-muslim-leaders-to-24-sussex-to-break-the-ramadan-fast-on-monday\/","title":{"rendered":"Harper invites Muslim leaders to 24 Sussex to break the Ramadan fast on Monday"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Prime<\/a>
Prime Minister Stephen Harper and wife Laureen (Facebook photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

OTTAWA — Prime Minister Stephen Harper may have made Canadian history Monday night, inviting Muslim leaders to 24 Sussex to break the Ramadan fast.<\/p>\n

During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims fast daily between dawn and sunset and the break-the-fast dinner, called the iftar, is traditionally a festive and spiritual event.<\/p>\n

U.S. President Barack Obama hosts an iftar annually at the White House. But Harper’s office says Monday is the first time one has been held at 24 Sussex.<\/p>\n

In his speech to the dinner, Harper says his house ultimately belongs to all Canadians and hopes everyone can share in the blessings of the month.<\/p>\n

He also notes tradition is that those who host an iftar bring goodness upon themselves.<\/p>\n

The Conservative government’s relationship with the Muslim community has been tense, with major flare-ups over issues such as a new bill banning face veils during citizenship ceremonies.<\/p>\n

Harper has also been criticized for focusing more on radical elements within Islam than on reaching out to mainstream Muslims in the aftermath of terrorist attacks linked to radicalization.<\/p>\n

But in his speech Monday, he paid tribute to the contributions of the community.<\/p>\n

“Like so many others, the followers of Islam have, overwhelmingly, come to Canada, seeking freedom, opportunity and tolerance,” he said, according to a prepared text of his remarks.<\/p>\n

Among those at the dinner was Sen. Salma Ataullahjan, who is a Sunni Muslim.<\/p>\n

The prime minister’s office didn’t immediately release a list of those who attended.<\/p>\n

“This house belongs ultimately to all Canadians,” Harper said.<\/p>\n

“And I hope all Canadians, especially our Muslim friends and neighbours, share in these blessings tonight.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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