Community Desk, London: On the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan, a large-scale community iftar programme has begun in East London. Centred around the historic East London Mosque, arrangements have been made to serve iftar to an average of nearly two thousand people every day, according to the organisers.

The mosque authorities stated that the programme will remain open to everyone throughout Ramadan. People of all faiths, races and ethnic backgrounds are welcome to join the iftar. As a result, alongside Muslims, individuals from various religions and cultures are also taking part. According to the organisers, this is not merely an iftar event—it is a unique platform for social harmony and mutual understanding.

Preparations for iftar begin each day from noon. Volunteers take responsibility for food preparation, packet distribution and overall management. The menu includes dates, fruits, rice, curry, and light hot meals, ensuring that those observing the fast can break it healthily.

Funding for the initiative comes primarily from expatriate Bangladeshi businesspeople, local worshippers and various donors. A special fundraising campaign was organised prior to the start of Ramadan. A member of the mosque committee said, “Even while living abroad, we want to share the spirit of Ramadan with everyone. We do not see this arrangement solely as a religious programme; it is part of our social responsibility.”

In addition to iftar, the mosque hosts nightly Taraweeh prayers, Qur’an recitation and brief discussions on the significance of Ramadan. Guided tours are also arranged on designated days for non-Muslim visitors, offering insights into Islamic traditions and the teachings of Ramadan.

Local community leaders say that such initiatives play an important role in strengthening social cohesion in multicultural London. Particularly in the current global context, events like this effectively promote messages of mutual respect and coexistence.

The mosque authorities have confirmed that the iftar programme will continue throughout the month of Ramadan.