Turnout is good at 'Unity Iftar' event

A special fast-completing ceremony for non-Muslims was held at the European Islamic Centre in Oldham.

There was a good turnout at the 'Unity Iftar' event, with the incumbent mayor Zahid Chauhan, OBE and the leader of the council, Arooj Shah, in attendance.

Representatives of Oldham Interfaith Forum, Greater Manchester Police and Hathershaw College were also present.

120 Guests were shown around the venue including an exhibition about Islam, the games room and the food bank which has been running for seven years and serves 50 families every fortnight.

Imaam Hammadur Rahman, who is also a barrister, gave a presentation about Ramadan.

This was followed by a three-course meal which was well received.

Iftar takes place every day during the holy month of Ramadan at dusk when the daily fast is broken with a feast.

Around 1.8 billion people observe Ramadan across the world.

The Unity Iftar is an initiative of the UK Islamic Mission (UKIM) which helps organisers to host such events all across the country in mosques and community centres.

A spokesperson said: "The initiative stands as a testament to UKIM's longstanding commitment to fostering community engagement and understanding, bridging gaps between different communities, and promoting unity during the sacred month of Ramadan."

Oldham's Deputy Mayor, Eddie Moores, said: "The event was enjoyable and informative and the hosts were very welcoming. 

"I spoke to quite a few people from different communities.

"I believe the objective of bringing communities together was fulfilled.

"I learnt a lot and had some enlightened conversations.

"I believe integration has progressed over the years but there is still misinformation online.

"These types of events are needed to bring about understanding between different parts of society."

The Mayor of Oldham, Cllr Chauhan, added: “It was a great pleasure to be here today at the Unity Iftar and seeing the broader community coming together and trying to understand each other.

“That’s the benefit of the Iftar which brings harmony between communities and trying to understand each other and why we do certain things in a certain way and appreciating each other.

“This will help to build stronger communities in Oldham.”

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