The Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago (CIOGC) participated in the Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Observance “Unity, Hope, and Peace” hosted by the Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago (CRLMC) in cooperation with the First United Methodist Church at the Chicago Temple downtown on Wednesday, November 25, 2015.
Prayers were offered by leaders representing numerous faith communities including American Indian, Baha’i, Orthodox Christianity, Judaism, Anglican Christianity, Hinduism, Zoroastrianism, Catholic Christianity, Jainism, Latter-Day Saints, Sikhism, Buddhism, Islam, and Protestant Christianity.
CIOGC Executive Director, Tabassum Haleem offered a prayer on behalf of Chicagoland Muslims:
“O Allah, join our hearts, mend our relationships, and guide us to the paths of peace. Bring us out of the darkness into light and keep us away from manifest and concealed obscenities. God! We ask You for content after misfortune, a peaceful life after death, the pleasure of observing Your Face, and a desire to meet You. We take refuge in You from wronging others and from being wronged, from showing animosity and being subject to animosity, and from erring or committing unforgivable sins. Indeed, You are the Most Forgiving, the Most Merciful, make us grateful for Your Blessings, so we receive them due praise. And perfect them for us.”
Contributions were collected to provide holiday meals for those in need.
CRLMC was founded more than 30 years ago. This was a time when racial tensions and social injustices were on the rise. The organization began when a group of religious leaders in Chicago recognized the growing need to understand cultural and religious differences and learn how to work with one another. Learn more about CRLMC at www.crlmc.org.