President Trump's White House will host its first iftar dinner, the sundown meal that breaks fasts during the holy month of Ramadan, tonight in the State Dining Room "for the Washington diplomatic community," a White House spokesperson said.

White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said "30 to 40" people had been invited to the iftar, though Trump administration officials haven't yet released a guest list or divulged many details about the event.

"We do not need an iftar dinner," said Imam Yahya Hendi, the Muslim chaplain at Georgetown University.

"Rather, we need to get the respect we highly deserve. Do not feed us and stab us."

In years past, White House iftars have invited not only diplomats but dozens of American Muslims from civil society, including corporate executives, scholars, activists and athletes.

But many American Muslims say they are reluctant to break bread with Trump, citing the President's rhetoric and actions toward Muslims and other religious and racial minorities.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations plans to hold "NOT Trump's Iftar" event outside the White House as the main event is taking place inside.