London Mayor Sadiq Khan has inaugurated Central London with Ramadan lights for the third consecutive year. London becomes the first city in the Western world to celebrate Ramadan for the third consecutive year.
For the third consecutive year, Ramadan lights have been installed in London. Organized by the Aziz Foundation, the lighters were switched on by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, on Wednesday evening.
Mayor Sadiq Khan also addressed the event. Khan said lighting up Central London with Ramadan lights reflects the city’s inclusivity and diversity.
“It is a matter of pride that we continue to install Ramadan lights, demonstrating our commitment to recognizing all faiths,” said Mayor London.
He also talked about Islamophobia. “Some people spread misinformation about Muslims,” he said.
“We must show the true image of Islam, where people pray, give to charity, and even break their fast with non-Muslims,” he said further.
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King Charles III and Queen Camilla also helped to mark the upcoming Muslim Holy month by helping to pack food donation boxes at the restaurant in Soho.
The Queen also greeted a mother and two of her daughters who are being supported by Doorstep, a charity that helps families by providing goods and services to make their lives more comfortable as they await permanent housing.
She then helped staff in the all-female kitchen team to pack biryani boxes to donate to Doorstep before helping, along with King Charles, to pack dates into small bags to be sent to hospitals during Ramadan.
The royal couple also met a group of Muslim women, including professional rugby player Zainab Alema and author Hajera Memon, at a local restaurant in Soho on Wednesday.
The Holy month of Ramadan is set to begin this weekend, depending upon the sighting of crescent in Muslim countries.