Mosques in Aberdeen, northeast Scotland, are opening their doors this week to welcome their neighbors of all faiths and none to share food in Ramadan iftar, The Press And Journal reported on Tuesday, May 14.
“Our mosque has been open to the community for over 30 years, and we are taking part in this initiative in the spirit of humanity and solidarity,” Aberdeen Mosque and Islamic Centre president Maaruf Razzak said.
“We hope to give members of the local community an engaging insight into the life of the mosque and to promote greater understanding of Islam.”
The Masjid Alhikmah and Community Centre on Nelson Street, and Aberdeen Mosque and Islamic Centre on The Spital are taking part in Taste Ramadan this week.
The initiative is part of a national campaign, with more than 100 mosques across the UK holding open evenings to welcome their neighbors from all faiths and none by sharing food during Ramadan.
Chairman of Masjid Alhikmah, Sarfraz Ali Mian, added: “Since opening our custom-built mosque last summer, we have already held a number of open doors days for the wider community, but this will be our very first Taste Ramadan event.
“We encourage local Aberdonians to come along and join us in the spirit of friendship and experience Ramadan by enjoying delicious food and fruitful conversations.”
The chairman of Taste Ramadan, Ali Mahmood, said: “This is a crucial step in open engagement and creating conversations within communities to dispel myths and tackle Islamophobia.”
Muslims are currently observing the holy month of Ramadan which started on May 6.
During fasting from dawn until sunset, Muslims refrain from consuming food, drinking liquids, smoking, and engaging in sexual relations.
Muslims dedicate their time during the holy month to be closer to Allah through prayers, self-restraint, and good deeds.
Joined iftar meals have become a basic part of the holy month, during which people come together.
On Sunday, British Muslims, Christians, Jews and others of faith, along with those of none gathered for the 2019 City Circle Interfaith Iftar at St James’s Church in Piccadilly.
Earlier this month, the Naz Legacy Foundation delivered the first ever iftar at St Paul’s Cathedral in London on May 7, bringing together British Muslim and non-Muslim leaders.