INTERFAITH: Event co-organiser, Georgie Majid, speaks about the importance of the red flag
INTERFAITH: Event co-organiser, Georgie Majid, speaks about the importance of the red flag

Water give away organised to promote ‘tolerance and respect’

Members of a Muslim organisation in Bradford took to the city’s streets earlier this month as they handed out thousands of bottles of water to local residents.

The group, titled ‘I am Hussain’, gave away 3,000 drinks as they spoke with people of all faiths and backgrounds about their religion during Ramadan.

Having previously held a similar event in December, the giveaway was the idea of nine-year-old Dwa Fatima – daughter of event co-organiser Wajahat Raza.

Fellow event-planner, Georgie Majid, explained what the group were hoping to achieve with the display.

He said: “Having held a similar event previously we wanted to do something bigger this time around.

“On the day, we had Christians, Jews and non-believers all standing together for a Muslim-led event, showing what Bradford is really about.”

The event was also held to commemorate one of Islam’s most prominent leaders – Imam Hussain.

WATER GIVEAWAY: Bottles of water were handed out to members of the public as part of ‘I am Hussain’s’ charitable event
WATER GIVEAWAY: Bottles of water were handed out to members of the public as part of ‘I am Hussain’s’ charitable event

Amid the procession was a coffin, flag and horse, all symbols of Imam Hussain’s life and the battles he fought, giving passers-by the chance to interact with the display.

“We handed out literature of Imam Hussain,” Mr Majid added. “The message we wanted to send out to the world was to unite and respect each other’s values, just like Imam Hussain taught us.”

In attendance on the day were local figures including Bradford’s Deputy Lord Mayor, Cllr Alun Griffiths, and Bradford East MP, Imran Hussain.

Speaking of the event, Cllr Griffiths, added: “I was made warmly welcome to the I Am Hussain event and found it interesting and educational; improving my understanding of the events of Karbala and the early development of Islam.

“Many people accepted the water and we had plenty of ‘customers’ for the hot drinks in the tent. It was impressive that people in the middle of a very long fast were happy to look after the refreshment of others.”