A grand-scale mass event to break the daily Ramadan fast was announced by Britain’s government last week.
The so-called “Big Iftar” was launched by Communities Secretary Greg Clark at a celebratory event at London’s Ismaili Centre last Thursday.
The volunteer-led project will see mosques, churches, synagogues, community centres and schools invite the whole community to join the fast-breaking meal during Ramadan, known as the iftar.
At the launch hosted by the UK Ismaili community, 160 people, from all faiths and none, were hosted at a meal.
Mr Clark said during the event: “During Ramadan British Muslim communities will once again demonstrate their generosity and openness through The Big Iftar – where people from all backgrounds and faiths will come together to break bread and make new friendships.
“Britain’s diverse faith communities make a huge contribution to our society and I’d urge everyone to find out how they can get involved to bring their own neighbourhoods closer together.”
The Big Iftar was launched in 2013 to help explain the Islamic faith and to bring communities of all faiths closer together, according to Asian Image.
More than 114 Big Iftar events took place across the United Kingdom in 2014 with events including “flash mob” style-iftars at accessible venues, such as public parks and markets.
This year Ramadan begins 18 June and will continue for 30 days until 17 July.
So far more than 100 Big Iftar community events are scheduled to take place around the country.
Anyone interested in organising a iftar can do so by visiting www.thebigiftar.org.uk where template invitations, posters, logos and press releases are all available to help local communities draw closer together.
