Community Leader of Unity Ikhtar Event at York Mosque

Representatives of police, fire rescuers, politicians and members of the interfaith community gathered at York Mosque last night to celebrate the “Unified Iftar.”

Iftar is a daily practice that breaks Ramadan quickly, giving mosques the wider community the opportunity to open doors to welcome non-Muslims and learn more about the community and their religious practices.

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Over 300 people attended the event. It includes Prime Minister Tim Forber, York Central Councillor Rachel Muskell, deputy council leader Pete Kilvane, police and firefighter representatives, a group of refugees travelling from Caterick, and other religious leaders.

Unity Iftar began around 5pm and all participants were given gift bags containing candles and dried fruits, as well as gift bags containing additional food and water used to break the fast.

Speakers included Imam, the vice president of the mosque, and the return of a former Christian – no – who spoke about how his relationship with Islam helped him to better understand Jesus Christ's teachings and inter-religious unity.

Goody bags and food to break the fast given to everyone who arrives for the event (Image: Alice Cabana) There were also madrassas and video performers who featured the charity of the mosque.

In his speech, Imam said: These are things we should focus on.

“Like people often visit mosques for prayers, they also do it to find people with hearts. It doesn't matter what age, ethnicity, the language you speak, but it's the way of thinking that brings us together here.

Worshipers pray before breaking fasting (Image: Alice Cabana) “That's what we are today. We feel a sense of commonality with other humans because it's so important to break down barriers. We spread peace to those we know and those we don't know. That's the beauty of what we are today.”

After the speech, the man was sent to a room downstairs, but the woman prayed for a fast at about 6:15pm and remained upstairs to break. After that, the meal was served to everyone.

Participants shared their gratitude to the community for opening the door, including Chief Constable Tim Forber.

Police and worshippers sat side by side in Unity Ifar (Image: Alice Cabana) He states:

This idea was echoed by York Central MP's Rachel Muskell.

She added: “It's important that the different communities in York can explain their faith and share it with others. Certainly, it really felt a sense of generosity in the community, not just one side of faith and prayer.

New recruit to North Yorkshire Police (Image: Alice Cabana) “The mosque fed the community today, which is amazing, but it's amazing to just share stories and hang out together. The rooms were a great time as the kids were busy having fun as well as the whole family.

“It's really just people enjoy each other's company, and what we're seeing today is what we want to see across the community.”

Photo frames people were taking photos (Image: Alice Cabana) Faizal Mohamedbucks, ambassador of the mosque, said:

“This is an opportunity for adults as well as children to come along. The mosques always host such fun events.