Memphis Muslims host the '11th Annual Interfaith Dinner'

"Memphis Interfaith" hosted its 11th Annual Interfaith Dinner on June 4 at the Esplanade Banquet and Conference Center where politicians, religious clergy and non-Muslims ate Iftar and dinner celebrating social justice.

The dinner allows Muslims and non-Muslims to "break bread" and build an understanding despite the difference in faith.

"Why'd I come tonight? Well they asked me to come speak and so I was excited to come because of the focus on social justice and the fact that it was interfaith, to see so many people coming together under the umbrella of social justice thats what its gonna take," said Reverend Stacy Spencer of New Direction Christian Church, one of the speakers of the event.

Spencer, along with Sheik Yasir Qadhi and Rabbi Micah Greenstein, were the main speakers at the dinner. Imam Hamza Abdul-Malik provided a spiritual reflection.

Muslims and non-Muslims shared conversations at their assigned tables as Muslims broke their fast. After Magreb prayer, everyone ate dinner and continued stimulating conversations.

The National Civil Rights Museum was awarded for their accomplishments in social justice.

"Social justice is important to me because social justice for me means giving voice to the voiceless and faith tradition, Jesus said that the spirit of the lord is upon me to give, preach good news to the poor, to give sight to the blind, to set the captives free so for me thats the work of social justice, to liberate those who are oppressed, marginalized, sick and they need healing, help and a voice," Spencer said. "So for me social justice is the work of my faith."

The dinner ended with closing remarks from one of the organizers of the event, Dr. Alim Khandekar, and a supplication from Imam Anwar Arafat.

"I really enjoyed it," said attendee Michaelia Sturdivant, "The speakers were excellent giving their perspectives on things. I think the crowd, the mixed crowd that you have that was just amazing and I think its a great idea."