The year the month of Ramadan began on the evening of Sunday 5 May, with millions of Muslin across the world and the UK starting their fasting this week, political party leaders and a number MPs from London which a large number of the Turkish-speaking community and Muslims live shared their Ramadan 2019 message with us.
Theresa May
Prime Minister
“Our country is enhanced by our diversity and I am always reminded at this special time”
I would like to send my warmest wishes to all those observing the holy month of Ramadan, a hugely significant time for Muslims here in the United Kingdom and around the world.
Ramadan is a time of sacrifice, devotion and renewed strength. It is also a time to celebrate the strong sense of community spirit which it fosters, as all are welcomed to their local mosques to share in the Iftar meal, and to renew friendships with neighbours.
The UK has been enriched by Muslims who continue to influence every sphere of society, from politics and education to science and business. Our country is enhanced by our diversity and I am always reminded at this special time that there is much more that unites us than divides us.
The recent terrorist atrocities in Christchurch and Colombo, carried out against innocent men, women and children as they went to church, mosque and about their daily lives, reminds us all that there are those who choose hatred instead of peace. I stand with people all over the world, of all faiths and none, in condemning such horrifying and sickening acts of violence, which have no place in any society.
This Ramadan, let us reflect on the universal values it represents: peace, reflection, devotion and charity.
So to Muslims here in the United Kingdom and across the world, Ramadan Kareem.
Jeremy Corbyn
Leader of the Labour Party
“Ramadan is a month of reflection and devotion, of coming together and giving.”
Assalamu alaikum, as the holy month of Ramadan begins, I would like to wish the entire Muslim community: Ramadan Mubarak.
Ramadan is a month of reflection and devotion, of coming together and giving.
I have seen the spirit of Ramadan come alive every year in the actions of Muslims across Britain, whether it’s mosques opening their doors to shelter the victims of Grenfell, or joint street iftars where Muslims, and those of other faiths and none, come together to share a meal.
These acts of unity embody the values of humanity, compassion and mercy that lie at the heart of your faith.
This Ramadan we particularly remember all those who have suffered the horrors of Islamophobia, including those who so tragically lost their lives in the attacks in Christchurch.
In their memory we recommit to the struggle against racism and hatred, in all its forms.
And that is why I am proud that the Labour party has adopted the definition of Islamphobia backed by Muslim organisations and communities: we must not and will not tolerate Islamophobia.
This month of fasting brings people together, and I sincerely hope that your iftars and gatherings with family, friends and loved ones are filled with love and light.
Ramadan Mubarak, and peace be upon you all.
Sir Vince Cable
Leader of the Liberal Democrats
“The richness and diversity of our nation”
Today we join the millions of Muslims in the UK and across the world in welcoming the Holy Month of Ramadan. Across the country, British Muslim communities will be taking time aside to engage in acts of charity, prayer and self-reflection.
The contributions of British Muslims to Britain are ever-growing; adding to the richness and diversity of our nation. However, we are witnessing a worldwide resurgence of exclusionary, right-wing nationalism that has led to acts of terror against the Muslim community. We demand better.
The attack in Christchurch earlier this year was a reminder that we must do all we can challenge those who seek to erase or limit religious freedoms. As a party we have adopted the APPG on British Muslim’s definition of Islamophobia: we all have a shared duty to challenge hate and intolerance.
As families and communities come together at this time, we reflect on the values and meaning of Ramadan. I wish you all a peaceful month ahead.
Ramadan Mubarak.
Sadiq Khan
The Mayor of London
As-Salaam-Alaikum. I’d like to wish all Londoners and those around the world preparing for Ramadan a very blessed month.
As well as being a time of reflection and joining with family, Ramadan is a wonderful opportunity to bring communities together and show our empathy, charity and hospitality.
In recent years I have had the privilege of meeting hundreds of Londoners at community iftars across our capital. These gatherings – of all ages and cultures, of all faiths and none – show how powerful it can be when people from different walks of life come together to break bread and share their experiences. For me that is what Ramadan is all about, showing London at its very best.
London’s diversity is what makes us the greatest city in the world. We are proud to celebrate our differences and must all continue to play our role if we are to succeed in breaking down barriers between groups and improving social integration. If we are to have truly open and inclusive communities, we must see people of different faiths, ethnicities, social backgrounds and generations meeting and mixing with one another and forging relationships as friends and neighbours.
With the memory of recent terrorist atrocities in New Zealand and Sri Lanka still fresh in our minds, this year, more than ever, it is vital that Londoners from different backgrounds and religious communities come together. I watched with pride as Londoners stood shoulder-to-shoulder with global Christian and Muslim communities and we must continue to unite in solidarity. Through this we will show those who seek to divide our communities and destroy our way of life, that they will never succeed.
Nobody should feel that they have to hide who they are in London. Nobody should worry that practising their faith will make them a target for abuse. I want to assure you that our city will never be a safe place for those who wish to spread hatred. In London, we have a zero-tolerance approach to hate crime and I am working hand in hand with the Metropolitan Police to protect all Londoners and stamp it out.
So this Ramadan, I encourage you to make time to get to know someone new. Whether it is a colleague or a neighbour, whether they are Muslim, Christian or not part of any organised religion, let this Ramadan be a time of increased peace, friendship and understanding. And I invite you all to come and celebrate Eid in the Square with us on Saturday 8 June.
From my family to yours, have a blessed Ramadan.
Stella Creasy
MP for Walthamstow
On behalf of the residents of Walthamstow, I wish to extend the warmest of greetings to all members of the community and especially those in Walthamstow who are readers of the Londra Gazete.
During this special time for Muslims around the world I hope that each of your hearts is filled with peace, harmony, and joy and that the blessings of Allah protect and guide you and your family. I am proud to represent Walthamstow and the diversity of faiths we have in our area; just as Muslims around the world whereever they are share the special bond of Ramadan, so we in Walthamstow share our concern for our fellow citizens.
We know that this year has been tough for many of our Muslim brothers and sisters, so we pledge to stand with you and support you as you enter this special month of reflection, prayer and fasting and hold you in our thoughts.
To Muslims in Walthamstow, here in Britain, and across the world, Ramadan Kareem!
Happy Ramadan!
Catherine West
MP for Wood Green and Hornsey
To all those observing Ramadan in my constituency of Hornsey and Wood Green, in London, the UK and worldwide, I would like to wish you a peaceful and blessed month. Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection, self-improvement and increased worship. It is an opportunity to strengthen one’s sense of belonging: to contemplate with humility the simplicity of our needs and to let that act of contemplation quieten the din of our hectic modern lives.
At a time of heightened political, social and communal division, the advent of Ramadan reminds us that there is strength in unity, and that we have within us and within our communities all that we need to be content. In that spirit, there is also an emphasis on charity, as we consider those in need and strive to mitigate the struggles faced by others.
Ramadan Mubarak
Kate Osamor
MP for Edmonton
With Ramadan coming up I send my warm good wishes to all Muslim people.
Ramadan is an incredible witness to all of us in the UK, demonstrating the benefits of contemplation, empathy and self-sacrifice. It shows us the strength and positivity that faith can play in our lives and in our society. Ramadan is a good opportunity for all of us, whether we are Muslim or not, to remember those less fortunate and those suffering the world over.
I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the amazing contribution that Muslims make to British society, from tending to the hungry and mosques opening their doors to the homeless. Muslims help make this the wonderful and vibrant country it is and I am grateful for the contribution of Muslim people in working to make my constituency, Edmonton, a better and better place to live.
I hope for everyone observing Ramadan this year it will be an uplifting experience, enjoyed with family and friends.
Ramadan Mubarak
Click now so you can read our 2019 Ramadan Supplement which also features all the messages above!
