On November 7, 2002, President George W. Bush invited leaders from the American Muslim community and ambassadors from various Muslim countries to an Iftar dinner at the White House. This was the first such iftar for the Muslim community under the new administration and many of those in attendance seized the opportunity to discuss matters of importance to the American Muslim community with officials present at their tables. Professor al-Hibri discussed with the President recent attacks on Islam by religious leaders of other faiths. She emphasized the constitutional legacy of this country as a land of tolerance and freedom of conscience. She also noted that religious groups in America, such as the Baptists, fought hard for these constitutional freedoms, and that everyone must continue to uphold this valuable legacy. Professor al-Hibri also inquired about new laws governing charitable giving, a matter of great importance to American Muslims.

On November 18, 2002, a similar Iftar was hosted at the State Department by Secretary of State Collin Powell. It was attended by American Muslims, including Professor al-Hibri, and administration officials
.