More than 250 people broke their fast during an Open Iftar hosted in the historic V&A South Kensington Museum last week.
The community event, hosted by the London-based charity Ramadan Tent Project, invited people from all faiths and none to come together and eat Iftar in the iconic Raphael Gallery.
Ramadan is the Islamic holy month where Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, refraining from food or drink until they eat the evening meal called Iftar.
Founder and CEO of Ramadan Tent Project Omar Salha said: “Having Iftar here in the V&A creates history, reimagines spaces to see how faith plays an important part, and celebrates our identity.
“This is about the millions of Muslims across the UK who are proud to be British and living in Britain where faith is not looked down upon but, on the contrary, is celebrated and valued.”
As the call to prayer echoed through the beautiful Raphel Gallery, guests broke their fasts with dates and water before moving to an open space to perform the evening prayer.
Open Iftar volunteer team lead Sophia Malik said holding an Iftar at the V&A “pushes so many doors open for Muslims and it allows non-Muslims to get a taste for our faith and who we really are”.
Guests booked free tickets to experience warm meals whilst listening to speeches from V&A Museum curators, the Jordanian Ambassador to the UK, the Ambassador to Ireland and Iceland, and an Islamic Relief spokesperson.
“It’s been amazing that everyone is coming together and talking to new people in such a beautiful and iconic British space,” said Aurelia Finch, the director of the UK-MENA Network.
In its 12th year running, the festival theme this year is ‘Connection’, aiming to increase harmony, foster belonging, and turn strangers into friends.
The charity is hosting 20 Open Iftars across 12 UK cities’ most prominent venues – including Windsor Castle, Shakespeare’s Globe, and Belfast City Hall – with the finale event to be hosted at Trafalgar Square at the end of the month.
Featured image shows the event at the V&A Museum. Picture: Sumaiya Motara
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