More than 2,000 people joined a fast-breaking or iftar meal in London on Friday as part of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
The ‘Open Iftar,’ supported by the mayor of London as part of its Ramadan Tent Project, was held at Trafalgar Square this year.
Mayor Sadiq Khan also joined the group from all faiths to mark the last few days of the fasting month.
“We made history in 2019 when London’s Trafalgar Square hosted the first-ever iftar,” said Khan, speaking to Anadolu Agency.
“We didn’t think the second one would be three years later. it’s been three years now because we’ve missed out in 2020 and 2021,” he said, referring to a break due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Read more: UK: Leader of the House of Commons surprises many by holding virtual Iftar
“It’s wonderful to be back here with Muslims or non-Muslims, men, women and children. Many of us open our fast in one of those famous squares in the world, and it’s wonderful.”
Khan also invited everyone to come to London next Saturday for a celebration of Islamic culture.
Tonight I joined thousands of Londoners to break my fast in Trafalgar Square.
I was delighted to work with @RamadanTent to bring Open Iftar back to the heart of central London. It was truly inspiring to see people of all faiths unite in this historic location and share a meal. pic.twitter.com/JW3r9pfJhs
— Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan (@MayorofLondon) April 29, 2022
“We celebrate our diversity here in London. You’re free to belong to any religion here in London. Muslims or non-Muslims get on really well. Here in London, we think it’s really important not simply to tolerate differences, but to respect them, to embrace them, and to celebrate them.”
Japanese enjoy spirit of Ramadan
The Japanese people on Sunday enjoyed the spirit of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan as they participated in fast-breaking, or iftar, events held at the Tokyo Mosque.
Muslims living in the capital Tokyo as well as non-Muslim Japanese gathered at the mosque which is affiliated with Turkiye’s directorate of religious affairs.
The participants joined a cultural tour in the mosque during the day and later enjoyed a fast-breaking meal together, tasting Turkish food on the occasion of Ramadan.
Read more: WATCH: Babar Azam distributes Iftar among people
While some wanted to know more about the mosque, others were interested in learning about the fast-breaking tradition.
Iftar is the evening meal which Muslims end their daily fast at sunset during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
Anadolu with additional input by GVS News Desk