A Message of Unity Over Shared Meal as Community Gathered for Iftar
Rochdale, Greater Manchester – In a powerful display of cross-cultural solidarity, residents, civic leaders, and representatives from various local organisations gathered at Unity House on March 6th to observe a community iftar. The event, held during the holy month of Ramadan, brought together individuals from a wide spectrum of ethnic, cultural, and faith backgrounds—including those of different faiths and none—to share a meal and reflect on shared human values.
Organised by the local non-profit organisation KYP (Kashmir Youth Project), the gathering was designed to foster meaningful connections across the borough. An iftar is the meal served at sunset to break the daily fast observed by Muslims during Ramadan. While traditionally a religious observance, community iftars have become increasingly popular as inclusive events that invite non-Muslims to participate and learn about the tradition, promoting interfaith dialogue and social cohesion.
The evening began with a welcome address by Zulf Ahmed, Chief Executive of KYP, who expressed gratitude for the diverse turnout and emphasised the importance of community solidarity in today’s society.
Guests of honour included the mayor of Rochdale, councillor Janet Emsley, and Rochdale member of parliament, Paul Waugh. Both leaders addressed the gathering, underscoring the significance of shared civic values and the collective responsibility to maintain a harmonious borough. Their presence highlighted the local government's commitment to supporting initiatives that bridge social divides.
Imam Irfan Chishti, representing the Rochdale Council of Mosques, offered spiritual insights into the significance of Ramadan. He spoke on the themes of tolerance, resilience, and the universal importance of empathy. In a particularly poignant observation, Imam Chishti noted a rare interfaith coincidence this year: the Islamic month of Ramadan and the Christian period of Lent began at the same time. He described this alignment as a powerful opportunity for interfaith connection, allowing communities to share in parallel periods of reflection, sacrifice, and spiritual growth.
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The proceedings included the recitation of the Adhan, the Islamic call to prayer, delivered by a member of the KYP staff. This moment marked the official end of the day's fast, traditionally broken with dates and water. Following this, guests were invited to share a communal meal featuring a variety of South Asian cuisine, including samosas, pakoras, chicken curry, and pilau rice.
Beyond the breaking of bread, organisers stated that the event is part of KYP’s ongoing work to strengthen community cohesion. By creating spaces where different groups can interact informally, the organisation aims to build positive relationships and dismantle barriers between communities in Rochdale.
As the evening concluded, the gathering stood as a testament to the power of shared experiences in building a more inclusive and understanding society.
Organised by the local non-profit organisation KYP (Kashmir Youth Project), the gathering was designed to foster meaningful connections across the borough. An iftar is the meal served at sunset to break the daily fast observed by Muslims during Ramadan. While traditionally a religious observance, community iftars have become increasingly popular as inclusive events that invite non-Muslims to participate and learn about the tradition, promoting interfaith dialogue and social cohesion.
The evening began with a welcome address by Zulf Ahmed, Chief Executive of KYP, who expressed gratitude for the diverse turnout and emphasised the importance of community solidarity in today’s society.
Guests of honour included the mayor of Rochdale, councillor Janet Emsley, and Rochdale member of parliament, Paul Waugh. Both leaders addressed the gathering, underscoring the significance of shared civic values and the collective responsibility to maintain a harmonious borough. Their presence highlighted the local government's commitment to supporting initiatives that bridge social divides.
Imam Irfan Chishti, representing the Rochdale Council of Mosques, offered spiritual insights into the significance of Ramadan. He spoke on the themes of tolerance, resilience, and the universal importance of empathy. In a particularly poignant observation, Imam Chishti noted a rare interfaith coincidence this year: the Islamic month of Ramadan and the Christian period of Lent began at the same time. He described this alignment as a powerful opportunity for interfaith connection, allowing communities to share in parallel periods of reflection, sacrifice, and spiritual growth.
.jpg)
The proceedings included the recitation of the Adhan, the Islamic call to prayer, delivered by a member of the KYP staff. This moment marked the official end of the day's fast, traditionally broken with dates and water. Following this, guests were invited to share a communal meal featuring a variety of South Asian cuisine, including samosas, pakoras, chicken curry, and pilau rice.
Beyond the breaking of bread, organisers stated that the event is part of KYP’s ongoing work to strengthen community cohesion. By creating spaces where different groups can interact informally, the organisation aims to build positive relationships and dismantle barriers between communities in Rochdale.
As the evening concluded, the gathering stood as a testament to the power of shared experiences in building a more inclusive and understanding society.
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