Over 300 people gathered at The Hawthorns, home of West Bromwich Albion, in Smethwick to partake in a free iftar meal and enjoy the warmth of community spirit in the holy month of Ramadan.
The event, organized by Ramadan Tent Project, was one among 25 venues nationwide to embrace this initiative.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, The Albion Foundation described the Open Iftar event, the first one to be held at The Hawthorns, as a “great success,” The BBC reported.
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“We thank the local community for joining us to break their fast & share in the spirit of #Ramadan,” it added.
Tonight’s @OpenIftar at The Hawthorns has been a great success, with over 3️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ people in attendance. 💙
— The Albion Foundation (@WBAFoundation) March 22, 2024
We thank the local community for joining us to break their fast & share in the spirit of #Ramadan. pic.twitter.com/4OXCfAd6MX
Omar Salha, Founder and CEO of Ramadan Tent Project, said the theme of this year’s Ramadan Festival was Heritage: Past, Present and Future.
“The month of Ramadan is an embodiment of the rich Islamic culture, tradition and heritage that is observed by millions across the globe as a journey of self-reflection, spiritual sustenance, and mindfulness,” he added.
Open Iftar events are taking place across the UK throughout the month, with meals at Windsor Castle and the British Library before the festival culminates with a final community meal held at London’s Trafalgar Square on 8 April.
Tufail Hussain, director at charity partner Islamic Relief, added the iftar was “welcome to everyone.”
“Coming together with the local community and sharing a meal after a day of fasting will be very special,” he added.