LOCAL GUESTS: Over 100 people ate together on the day
LOCAL GUESTS: Over 100 people ate together on the day

Wakefield Iftar welcomes guests from all backgrounds

Over 100 people gathered at Wakefield’s Lightwaves Leisure Centre last week as the city’s first so-called ‘community Iftar’ was staged.

Members of different religious groups and those of none, came together to observe the traditional Islamic meal, held every evening during Ramadan for the breaking of fast.

Organised by Wakefield City Youth and Community Project, the night proved a huge success, with faith leaders speaking on the day.

ALL TOGETHER: Faith Leaders united for the community Iftar in Wakefield last week
ALL TOGETHER: Faith Leaders united for the community Iftar in Wakefield last week

Community leader, Usman Ali, who helped orchestrate the evening’s activities, said he was delighted with the turnout.

“The night proved to be an excellent multi-faith event, bringing people together from all faith and non-faiths together to promote peace and promote community cohesion/social integration,” he said.

“This is a step forward for the people of Wakefield and in promoting our city to people of all cultures and backgrounds.

“To say this was the first community Iftar held in Wakefield, the response was amazing.”

The Iftar, sponsored by Manchester Superstore Wakefield and Islamic Relief was opened by Cllr Maureen Cummings, of Crofton, Ryhill and Walton.

Other guests in attendance included Bishop of Wakefield, Revd Tony Robinson; Cllr Stuart Heptinstall; Cllr Roz Lund; Leeds Makkah Masjid Imam, Qari Asim MBE; Positive Action Coordinator for West Yorkshire Police, PC Amjad Ditta; and Yusuf Bashforth from Global Education Trust.

Usman added: “The purpose of this event was to open our fast with our refugee brothers and sisters in Wakefield and bring different communities together in the Wakefield District.”

The event was supported by partners including Wakefield Council, Alzheimer’s Society, We are Wakefield and Wakefield City of Sanctuary.