Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Mayor Khan looks forward to interfaith iftars

Mayor Khan looks forward to interfaith iftars

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said he is looking forward to sharing the joy of Ramadan with non-Muslims now that the pandemic restrictions are over.

Khan will be taking part in a number of iftar gatherings with interfaith leaders and people from different religious backgrounds with the aim of 'building togetherness'.


“One of the the things I missed during the pandemic is doing iftar together - that sense of togetherness when you break your fast together” he told Eastern Eye.

“We’re lucky since I’ve been Mayor we’ve managed to do many interfaith iftars, which I’ve missed. But this year we are going to some iconic iftars at some iconic venues.

“We are going to make history on Monday, working with the Naz Legacy Foundation, we are going to have iftar at the Tower of London with a number of leaders from other religions, including the chief rabbi (Ephraim Mirvis) from the Jewish faith, Cardinal Vincent Nichols from the Catholic community, Imam Mohammed Mahmud from the East London Mosque, and many, many others.

“That's one of the great things about London, you get to open your fast with non-Muslims. And what's changed from when I was growing up, is now many non-Muslims know about Ramadan, they know about fasting. That's lovely.”

FPiJnp0WYAI vx Sadiq Khan during iftar at The Tower of London.

There are 3.4 million Muslims in the UK, with 1.26 million living in London. Muslims make up 5.9 per cent of the population of England.

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims embrace a number of rituals, which include fasting from the hours between sunrise to sunset, increasing in prayers at the mosque, read the Quran from start to finish and giving money to charity.

Khan, as a practising Muslim, believes that as a minority community, it is important to explain to the 'majority community' what Islam is about as way to 'respect and embrace' each other’s religions.

60338461 2127500687319415 9042560476403204096 n Mayor Sadiq Khan (second from left) with guests at a Naz Legacy Foundation iftar.

“One of the things about London is, we don't simply tolerate different religions, we respect them, we celebrate them, we embrace them. And you know, I like learning about other religions and I like sharing about my religion,” he said.

“One of the things about our religion that we forget sometimes is, even during the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), we weren't advised to stay separate, we were advised to mix and mingle. There's of course the famous ayat from the Quran, which translates to ‘I've created different nations and tribes, so you may get to know one another’. And Ramadan is a good opportunity to get to know different communities. It's one of the lovely things about London.”

GettyImages 103451373 scaled Iftar at the London Muslim Centre (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

The Mayor spoke of how he has first-hand witness the togetherness his non-Muslim colleagues show towards those that are fasting.

“The great thing about your work colleagues, your friends, your neighbours, who are non-Muslims, is they take an interest and they make adjustments because they realise you're fasting obviously so can't do the lunch meetings so they make accommodations. I realised that one of the joys of London is our diversity. The fact that you can be whatever religion you want to be, whatever background, and you're still accepted.”

One of the key lessons of Ramadan is to get an idea of what it feels like for those living in poverty, without food, around the world. And Khan hopes that this Ramadan people are able to feel a sense of what those in war-torn countries are going though and give them their support.

GettyImages 1239748442 scaled Yemeni volunteers prepare food to be distributed for free for the fast-breaking "Iftar" meal in the capital Sanaa during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan (Photo by MOHAMMED HUWAIS / AFP)

“It's a reminder that actually although you spent all day fasting to have a sense of what it's like to be poor and have no food. We're lucky we get to have a feast when it comes to open up fast but many people across the globe, think about the tragedies taking place in Yemen, Syria, Ukraine, Afghanistan, they won't get a feast like we do. And I try to remind my daughters of this during our iftars.”

More For You

Sri Lanka forms committee to address UK sanctions
Anura Kumara Dissanayake

Sri Lanka forms committee to address UK sanctions

THE Sri Lanka government on Wednesday (2) formed a committee to recommend measures regarding the UK's decision to impose sanctions on three former military commanders who led the campaign that crushed the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in 2009.

Health minister Nalinda Jayatissa told reporters that foreign minister Vijitha Herath, justice minister Harshana Nanayakkara and deputy minister of defence Aruna Jayasekara would comprise the committee that would consult experts for the purpose.

Keep ReadingShow less
Gujarat-blast-ANI

The blast caused the factory’s concrete roof to collapse, scattering debris and body parts across the area, officials confirmed. (Photo: ANI)

ANI

Death toll rises to 21 in Gujarat firework factory explosion

AN EXPLOSION at an illegal firecracker factory in Gujarat's Deesa town killed 21 people and injured several others on Tuesday, officials said.

The blast caused the factory’s concrete roof to collapse, scattering debris and body parts across the area, officials confirmed.

Keep ReadingShow less
Child benefit payments set to rise for UK families

Child benefit, normally paid every four weeks directly into bank accounts, has undergone significant changes in recent months (Photo: Getty Images)

Child benefit payments set to rise for UK families

MILLIONS of British families are set to receive a financial boost as child benefit payments increase from April 7, according to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

From next week, parents will receive £26.05 per week for the eldest or only child, amounting to £1,354.60 annually - up from the current rate of £25.60. For each additional child, payments will rise to £17.25 weekly, totalling £897 per year - an increase from the present £16.95 rate. This represents a 1.7 per cent increase across all payment categories.

Keep ReadingShow less
Anant Ambani Walks 140 Km in Spiritual Tribute on 30th Birthday

Anant’s padyatra is a reflection of the larger cultural fabric of India

Getty

Anant Ambani embarks on a 140-kilometer spiritual journey on foot to celebrate 30th birthday

Anant Ambani, a director of Reliance Industries Limited and a prominent figure in Indian industry, has chosen a unique and spiritual way to mark his 30th birthday. As part of his celebrations, he is currently undertaking a padyatra—a traditional pilgrimage on foot—from Jamnagar to Dwarka, covering a distance of approximately 140 kilometres. The journey reflects his devotion to Lord Dwarkadhish, the presiding deity of the Dwarkadhish Temple in the city of Dwarka.

Anant began his journey from his family’s residence in Moti Khavdi, Jamnagar, and has been progressing steadily for the past five days. Walking an estimated 10-12 kilometres each night, he travels under the protection of Z+ security and local police, ensuring his safety during this significant journey. The padyatra is expected to take between seven to nine days in total, with plans to conclude at the Dwarkadhish Temple in time for his birthday on April 10.

Keep ReadingShow less
New TB action plan proposed as cases surge

Government urged experts to come forward to help draw up a new five-year TB action plan. (Photo: Getty Images)

New TB action plan proposed as cases surge

BRITAIN on Wednesday (2) urged health experts and sufferers of tuberculosis (TB) to come forward to help draw up a new five-year action plan as it deals with record rises in the disease.

In 2023, England recorded its largest annual increase (11 per cent) in cases since enhanced surveillance began in 2000.

Keep ReadingShow less