‘Unity Iftar’ event to bridge divides in Bradford

An event is being held to unite the community of Bradford in the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

The iftar will be held at Hussainia Islamic Mission.

The ‘Unity Iftar’ is being organised to unite the community following local and international events that have taken place in the past few weeks.

The event is to take place at the Hussainia Islamic Mission centre, which was only recently daubed with offensive graffiti targeting the Shia community of Bradford.

A 14-year-old teen was arrested following the incident.

“These events will not cause us to divide”

Omar Farooq Khan, one of the event organisers, said: “There is a pressing need for a show of unity in the Muslim community, to counter the actions of a small minority that are ruining the name of Islam, their actions not being representative of the general Muslim population.

“After the recent tragic attacks that occurred in Kuwait and Tunisia, and previously in Yemen, Syria, Iraq and other Muslim countries by the self proclaimed “Islamic state group” and their affiliates, with people travelling to join these groups from within the UK, and the sectarian vandalism that took place at a Shia mosque in Bradford recently, we must show that these events will not cause us to divide, but simply unite us to be stronger together.”

Iftar is the meal eaten by Muslims after sunset during Ramadan and is often done as a community, with people gathering to break their fast together.

The ‘Unity Iftar’ is being organised in conjunction with the British Muslim Youth, Love Muhammad, Tell Mama, The Big Iftar and Hussania Islamic Mission.

It is also set to host various speakers and local community and religious leaders.

It will take place at the Hussainia Islamic Mission centre on 13 July from 7.30pm. Entry is free and the event is open to all.