Muslims in Rail aims to increase awareness and understanding through community engagements. We were glad to have delivered our final of four nationwide Discover Ramadan Iftar dinners, in London at the East London Mosque & London Muslim Centre. This joint event in partnership with Network Rail Multifaith Network and TfL Muslim Network, was attended by over 80 guests across the industry, including several executive and business leaders at Network Rail, MTR Elizabeth Line, Siemens, HKA, Arcadis, TfL, Hitachi Rail to name a few. The occasion was also covered by Islam Channel, watch here.
Commenting on the event, Andrew Haines (CEO of Network Rail) said: “For me, this evening was a great example of why diversity in the railway can help connect communities together and make our industry a more wholesome place to work.”
Jeremy Westlake (CFO, Network Rail) added: “The Imam (Sheikh Mohammad Mahmoud)… gave an inspiring a speech on the role of prayer and the search for peace through prayer which I thought was really inspirational.” (Watch here Jeremy’s extended interview)
Rob Morris (Managing Director, Siemens Mobility) said: “What tonight has brought home to me is the richness within the Muslim religion, what happens in these Mosques… its opened up a window in my head to a fresh sort of thinking from my perspective…” (Watch here Rob’s extended interview)
Paul Cacchioli (Partner, HKA) said: “It was wonderful to be welcomed into the mosque and be offered a brief insight & to witness the life during Ramadan & the Muslim faith.” (Watch here Paul’s extended interview)
Ana Marreiros (Hitachi Rail) remarked: “It was an incredible evening, it was educational, uplifting and enlightening. I felt more moved than I have felt in a long time. It made me want to be a better person, it made me a better person, it made me want to help others better themselves.”
Hilga Beckendorf (Business Director, Arcadis) added: “I thoroughly enjoyed it and found it very insightful. What particular resonated with me, were words about fasting…If you can control what is going into your mouth, you can control what words are coming out. Something for everyone to think about.”
Anit Chandarana (Lead Director, GBRTT) said “We received a profound piece from the Imam that really landed with me around the meaning of fasting and the desire to promote peace through our words and actions. My thanks to everyone who helped organise and promote the event… truly inspiring”
With special thanks to our Event partner organisations, hosts East London Mosque & London Muslim Centre , Shalamar Caterers and of course our amazing volunteers who helped make this happen.