Serving samosas to forge friendships: 'The Big Iftar' aims to help non-Muslims learn about Islam
UK-wide initiative sees mosques around the country offering traditional food
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A group of Muslims is hoping food can offer a path to racial harmony with "The Big Iftar", a UK-wide initiative in which mosques around the country are opening to allow non-Muslims to join Muslims for a meal to learn about Islam. The Iftar is the meal served after sundown during Ramadan, the holy month we are currently midway through, when Muslims are required to fast between sunrise and sunset.
"It comes when myth-busting is more important than ever," said Baroness Warsi, Minister for Faith and Communities. "Research earlier this year showed that less than a quarter of people thought Muslims were compatible with the British way of life."
At the Brent Civic Centre in north-west London on Friday at 9:01pm guests gathered around a trestle table laden with rice, noodles, curries, samosas and, in keeping with Iftar tradition, dates and milk.
The Big Iftar's founder, Mustafa Field, 32, a project manager from Brent, explained its aims. "It's about reaching out," he said. "Once you get to know your neighbours you start to understand each other's cultures."
Following the murder of Lee Rigby in May, Muslims have come under attack from anti-Islam groups. "It's about getting the message out that there is a nicer side to Islam," said Altaf Choudry, 33. "A lot of people have been tainted with the wrong brush."
Mark Buckley, 40, a Christian, welcomed the opportunity to engage with another faith. He said: "Just as Christians need to get out of their church walls, Muslims have to get out of the mosque walls and engage with people in the real world."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments