Mosque Iftar brings the community together

RAMADAN MEAL IN HAYES ATTENDED BY MP AND LOCAL FAITH LEADERS AS PART OF MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING PROJECT

AS part of this year’s Mosque Iftar, Hayes Muslim Centre in West London, welcomed members of the local community, including local MP and Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell, to break the Ramadan fast with members of its congregation.

The Mosque Iftar initiative, organised by Faith Associates, take place each year in more than 100 mosques and Islamic Centres around the UK.

The month-long initiative helps to foster mutual understanding through discussion, debate and dialogue by inviting people of all faith and none together to experience the Iftar feast.

Faith Associates launched the Mosque Iftar initiative in 2012 to encourage Muslim communities to open their doors to their local community.

Since then, hundreds of mosques have participated, and thousands of people have shared an Iftar together.

The initiative builds on Islamic teachings that encourage mosques to be more than just places of worship; they should be schools, community centres, homeless shelters and more.

Tahir Awan, chairman at Hayes Muslim Centre, said: “We [Hayes Muslim Centre] have been organising iftars everyday during Ramadan for the community, in which have been regularly attended by over 400 people.

“We were pleased to have friends such as John McDonnell MP attend our community Iftar this year, as he kindly does every Ramadan, along with other faith leaders in the community. Opening up the Mosque to the wider community during Ramadan really adds to the brilliant atmosphere the Mosque creates during this holy month”

Shaukat Warraich, founder and CEO of Faith Associates, said: “The growth of the Mosque Iftar Initiative over the past six years demonstrates the shared desire for Muslims and non-Muslims to engage with and learn from one another.

“The mosque, especially during Ramadan, should be more than just a place to pray; it should be at the heart of the community.

“The Quran teaches us to show kindness and generosity to all our neighbours. Mosque Iftars are a great way of doing that, uniting people of all faiths and none.”

To get involved and to promote a Mosque Iftar in your community, visit www.mosqueiftar.com.