The Centre for Spirituality and Cultural Advancement (CSCA), invited people from all faiths to join us in this blessed month of Ramadan to break bread and share ‘One Meal For All’. During Ramadan, Muslims pay special attention to their spiritual development, charitable giving, and community service. The intention is often made to give more of our time and resources in the service of others, than we gave in the previous year. Living in Britain, we would like to extend our hands in friendship and common cause to our colleagues and neighbours who are not Muslim, so we may build on our shared values. The ‘Iftar’ meal is a special time of day when Muslims open their fast and give thanks for the food they are receiving. It is also a time for us to open the doors for new friendships, rekindle existing ones, and welcome people from different backgrounds and faiths to celebrate this joyous occasion.

Muslims play a vital role in their communities, day in, day out. Holding a ‘One Meal For All 2013’ this Ramadan was a perfect way to show people of other faiths and none, who perhaps have never even been in a mosque/ multi- cultural centre or enjoyed a meal with Muslims, what it’s really like. Every interaction and effort, big and small, is worthwhile. It all helps to break down barriers, reassure people and then normalise ‘Ramadan’ and other things associated with Islam and Muslims. It is imperative to try and remove the negative portrayals of Islam and to challenge the misconceptions some people may have. Further for Muslims to understand how to contribute positively to our wider community.

The Iftaar meal was a huge success and was attended by over 80 people from the community, people from all faiths including member of St Lawrences Church including Father Chris, Members of the Evangelical Church, our partners from Hounslow Friends of Faith, Members of the Met Police including Sgt Nigel Treacy and Cllr Colin Botterill

The program included a small talk from Imam Shair Ahmed of CSCA about the Importance of Ramadan and a musical performance from the Pearls of Islam. There were short talks about the importance of community building especially in the difficult times at present from Cllr Collin Botterill. Sgt Nigel Treacy welcomed the CSCA and praised the organisation for being unique in the activities it hopes to offer in Feltham and how it has become a valuable resource in the community with the work we have done so far. Father Chris said “breaking bread together is a way of standing in harmony with our Muslim neighbours”.
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