Rumi Forum

In his recent @washingtonpost feature about the latest #faith250 gathering in Northern Virginia, Dana Milbank @Milbank offers a powerful reminder: even in a polarized moment, spaces of dialogue, reflection, and shared civic purpose are still possible. washingtonpost.com/religion/2026/… Faith250 is an emerging initiative that brings together people of different faiths and perspectives to engage foundational texts such as the Declaration of Independence—not as political tools, but as shared moral reference points. Through gatherings centered on listening, mutual respect, and thoughtful dialogue, Faith250 seeks to renew a sense of shared civic responsibility as our nation approaches its historic 250th anniversary. Visit the link to learn more: faith250.org #America250 #HizmetCares

Eid Mubarak! As we mark the end of Ramadan, we extend our warmest wishes to all who celebrate. May this Eid bring peace, joy, and renewed hope to you and your loved ones. In a world often marked by division, may the spirit of Eid inspire us to continue building bridges, nurturing compassion, and strengthening the bonds that unite us. #EidMubarak

Religious Freedom Community Iftar Rumi Forum concluded its Ramadan 2026 programs with a special Religious Freedom Community Iftar, co-hosted in partnership with the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Summit @IRFSummit and the National Museum of American Religion. Bringing together advocates from a wide range of institutions and backgrounds, the evening offered a meaningful space to break bread and reaffirm a shared commitment to advancing religious freedom for all. We are grateful to all who joined us in this spirit of unity and shared purpose and to @FoleyandLardner for their hospitality. #Ramadan #ReligiousFreedom #HizmetCares

Faith & Depolarization — Panel & Iftar Rumi Forum and @braverangels co-hosted a Panel and Iftar event on the theme “Faith and Depolarization,”situated within the broader context of the 250th anniversary of American independence. The evening brought together people from across faith, civic, and community spaces to share a Ramadan meal and to discuss what constructive engagement across differences can look like in practice. Panelists explored how faith communities and civic leaders can help renew the civic fabric of our nation—strengthening habits of dialogue, principled pluralism, and shared responsibility in a polarized moment. Heartfelt thanks to our moderator @randylioz and our panelists @carriesheffield, Jason Palmer, and Ray Kim! #Ramadan #Iftar #America250 #HizmetCares

Each Ramadan, Rumi Forum gathers friends and partners from across the DC community to share an evening of hospitality and reflection. Our annual iftar is more than a meal — it is a reminder that dialogue, friendship, and understanding often begin around the table. This year’s gathering also reflected on the 250th anniversary of the United States, inviting participants to consider how the nation’s ideals of liberty and pluralism continue to call us to build a more inclusive and compassionate civic life. We were honored to hear thoughtful guest remarks from Dr. Mohamed Elsanousi and Chandra Whetstine, who reflected on the evening’s theme. We are grateful to all who joined us to celebrate the spirit of Ramadan together. #Ramadan #Iftar #Community #America250 🇺🇸

We closed our Faith250 Burke–Springfield Cluster gathering with a beautiful moment of shared voice and spirit as participants stood together to sing “America the Beautiful” A fitting way to end an evening of reflection on the Declaration of Independence—honoring both the ideals that inspire us and the ongoing work of living them out together. #faith250 #america250 #interfaithdialogue #hizmetcares 🇺🇸

The Burke–Springfield Cluster of faith250.org gathered for its second meeting, this time reflecting together on the Declaration of Independence. Nearly 200 participants from 17 congregations explored the enduring ideals of freedom, equality, and human dignity, while also engaging honestly with the document’s tensions and unfinished aspirations. These conversations remind us that preparing for America’s 250th anniversary is not only about remembering the past, but about renewing our shared civic values and commitment to one another. We are so grateful to Congregation Olam Tikvah for their radiant hospitality, and to all the faith communities who continue to build spaces for thoughtful dialogue, listening, and community. #Interfaith #Dialogue #Community #HizmetCares

A beautiful evening of fellowship and hospitality at our recent community iftar hosted at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Georgetown. Friends gathered around the table to break bread, share a conversation, and celebrate the spirit of Ramadan together. We are deeply grateful to our hosts and to everyone who joined us for this warm evening of friendship, reflection, and community. #Ramadan #HizmetCares

#Rumi #quotes

🌙📖 Iftar & Scriptural Reasoning - An evening of learning and community This week, friends from different faith traditions gathered at @VTS_Seminary for Rumi Forum’s Iftar & Scriptural Reasoning, reflecting together on the story of Cain & Abel. The evening began with a shared iftar and continued with thoughtful reading and dialogue across our traditions. Grateful to Rabbi Marc Israel for facilitating the study and to our partners at the @CACS_VTS and Rose Castle Foundation! #Ramadan #Abrahamic #Scriptures #Interfaith #HizmetCares

Rumi Forum was honored to host an Interfaith Iftar in partnership with the Jewish-Islamic Dialogue Society (JIDS), bringing together friends from Jewish, Muslim, and broader community networks to share a Ramadan meal and meaningful conversation. We are particularly grateful to Imam Rashad Abdul-Rahmaan, Rabbi Abbi Sharofsky, and Sousan Abadian for their thoughtful remarks. Grateful to all who joined us for this special gathering! #Ramadan #Interfaith #Community #HizmetCares

Rumi Forum's Young Professionals Iftar Thursday night was a beautiful reminder of what a community looks like. 🌙✨ We gathered to share an Iftar table, meaningful conversations, and the spirit of Ramadan — reflection, gratitude, generosity, and connection. Young professionals from diverse faiths and backgrounds came together not just to break bread, but to build friendships and strengthen understanding. At Rumi Forum, this is our mission in action: creating spaces where differences are celebrated and dialogue turns into lasting relationships. Thank you to everyone who joined us and made the evening so warm and memorable. If you met someone new, learned something meaningful, or felt inspired — that’s exactly why we do this work. Until the next gathering! #Ramadan #Iftar #Connections #HizmetCares

On Monday, February 23, we had the honor of co-hosting a meaningful Interfaith Iftar with Microsoft here in Washington, DC. In the true spirit of Ramadan — reflection, gratitude, generosity, and connection — faith leaders, public servants, and professionals from across our city gathered around one table. It was our particular pleasure to hear remarks from Rabbi David Saperstein and Pastor Bob Roberts. We are especially grateful to Suhail Khan, Senior Director of Microsoft External Affairs, for his leadership and partnership in bringing this beautiful gathering to life. Heartfelt thanks to Microsoft for helping create space for such meaningful interfaith engagement! #Ramadan #iftar #interfaith #HizmetCares

📘 New Publication from Rumi Forum’s CFIG Our Fall 2025 Associate, Jessalyn Wienk, has released a timely new analysis: “Sectarian Fault Lines in Post-Assad Syria: Religious Freedom and the Future of Minority Communities in Transitional Syria” This important piece comes at a pivotal moment in a rapidly developing global story. Following the collapse of the Assad regime in December 2024, Syria stands at a fragile crossroads — shaped by decades of authoritarian rule, sectarian manipulation, and deep societal mistrust. Wienk examines what this transition means for religious freedom and for Syria’s minority communities navigating uncertainty in a post-Assad landscape. At stake are not only constitutional protections, but the deeper question of whether pluralism and coexistence can take root in a fractured society. A thoughtful, policy-relevant contribution to an urgent conversation. See the full paper, rumiforum.org/wp-content/upl…

#Rumi #quotes

Iftar & Scriptural Reasoning: Cain & Abel Join us on March 5 at the @VTS_Seminary for an evening of reflection, dialogue, and shared community at Rumi Forum’s Scriptural Reasoning. The evening will begin with a shared iftar meal, followed by a guided Scriptural Reasoning study exploring the story of Cain & Abel. Our study leader Rabbi Marc Israel will help guide our shared reading and conversation. All are welcome! — whether you are new to interfaith dialogue or have participated before. Come share a meal, read together, and engage in meaningful conversation! Learn more and register, eventbrite.com/e/rumi-forum-s… We are thankful to @CACS_VTS and @RoseCastleUK for their collaboration to make Scriptural Reasoning series possible. #Scripture #interfaith #DIALOGUE #Ramadan2026 #HizmetCares

The Fountain Magazine presents a Ramadan reflection on freedom and self-mastery. As USA marks 250 years since the pursuit of self-determination, Ramadan reminds us that the most lasting independence is internal: breaking the unseen chains of impulse, distraction, and excess. Fasting is not punishment—it is training that strengthens will, renews gratitude, and returns compassion to the center of life. Ramadan Mubarak. Watch the special Ramadan video dedicated to America's 250 years of independence. youtu.be/NWFuJHHRRK4

Presidential Message on Ramadan @WhiteHouse

As the season of Lent begins, we extend our warm wishes to all who are observing. In a time when our public life can feel rushed and divided, may these forty days cultivate in us deeper empathy, moral clarity, and a renewed commitment to love our neighbors across every line of difference. Wishing you a meaningful and grace-filled Lenten season! #Lent #Lent2026 #HizmetCares