Tanveer Papa Addresses Hoover City Council

Local businessman Tanveer Papa addressed the Hoover City Council on Monday to explain Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr (which takes place at the end of Ramadan), and to invite members of the community to join the members of Birmingham’s Islamic community in Iftar, the evening breaking of the daytime Ramadan fasts.

“It’s an honor and privilege to join you during the month of Ramadan,” Papa said.

“For Muslims around the world, Ramadan is the month of fasting, of prayer, of reflection and charity. From dawn to dusk, from sun to sunset, many of us abstain from food or drink. So, many of us are pretty thirsty right now, but Ramadan is about much more than hunger.

“It is time to practice self discipline, deepen our faith and grow in compassion with those who face hardships every single day. Eid Al Fitr is a joyful celebration of that spiritual journey. It's a day of gratitude, gratitude for the strength, for patience, for family, for community and for the opportunity to begin again with renewed purpose.

“Before the Eid prayer, Muslims give charity known as zakat al Fitr, ensuring that those that are in need can also share in that celebration. That tradition reflects some of the most powerful messages of Ramadan, that no one should be left behind.

“While Eid is a religious holiday, its values resonate far beyond any faith tradition: self discipline, compassion, generosity, accountability, service to others. These are values that strengthen any city and any society.

“In 1890 Oscar Wilde told us that people know the price of everything and the value of nothing. Here in our city, Muslim residents are business owners, health care workers — many of them are sitting right here today — educators, first responders, volunteers and public servants.

“We are proud of this diversity that shapes who we are. Our Muslim neighbors, our teachers, doctors, business owners, public servants, parents and friends, they contribute every day to the civic, economic and the cultural life of this community.

“Recognizing Eid Al Fitr is not only about acknowledging religious observance, it is about affirming that every community within our city belongs and is valued. We are reminded that regardless of faith, we share generosity, we share self reflection, we share patience and we share care for one another.

“In a world that often moves too fast, Ramadan teaches us the importance of slowing down, reconnecting with what matters, reaching out to those around us. As we mark Eid Al Fitr, we are reminded that after this month of discipline comes celebration, after reflection comes renewal, and after that comes gratitude.

“On behalf of the Muslim community, I thank each and every one of you for giving giving us this unique opportunity, and we wish you peace, prosperity and continued unity for the for our entire city.

“In addition, I would like to say that I am not running for any office. I do have. I do have to tell you that I have 5000 employees, and we do contribute over $2 million to the State of Alabama. I'm in the chicken business, but it is my honor and pleasure to invite each and every one of you sitting here to come and break open your fast with us. We have nine more days left.

“So, if you want to come and join us at the Hoover Islamic Center, we would welcome each and every one of you, and we will be honored, and it will be our pleasure to serve you. Thank you so very kindly. Have a wonderful evening. Thank you,” he concluded.

For more information on the Birmingham Islamic Society, visit https://www.bisweb.org.

You May watch Tanveer Papa address the Council on YouTube or below, beginning at ~32:00: