Muslims in Rail together in partnership with several other professional networks (TfL Muslim Network, Consortium, BIMA, MDA and Muslim Engineers Network) kicked off our Discover Ramadan Iftar Dinner events, with a terrific and packed event in London at the East London Mosque & London Muslim Centre, supported by Muslim Aid UK. Special guest speakers featured TfL Commissioner Andy Lord, as well as CEOs of East London Mosque (Junaid Ahmed) and Muslim Aid (Khalid Javid).
The London event saw over 150 guests from across a diverse range of industries, including several leaders from market leading organisations, experiencing a tour of one of the most iconic faith centres in the UK, insightful speeches before enjoying a delicious Iftar meal.
Event MC for the evening, MIR Co-Founder Nasir Khan MBE remarked: “Discover Ramadan is a prime example of how we are connecting people from different backgrounds so we all grow in our understanding of each other and inspire others to improve our diversity of thought.”
Chief special guest was Transport for London Commissioner Andy Lord who experienced his first Iftar event in Ramadan and visit to the East London Mosque. He acknowledged the contributions of the Muslim community, the role of faith centres and networks such as Muslims in Rail and TfL Muslim Network. He stressed the importance of allyship, where in the current climate many Muslims feel legitimate sorrow at global events and some others sadly experience Islamophobic abuse.
This was a sentiment echoed by Junaid Ahmed, CEO of the East London Mosque, who emphasised the role that Mosques play in creating a harmonious society and their mission to to help create a society that is respectful, understanding and caters for each others needs.
MIR’s partner Charity, Muslim Aid also supported the event. Khalid Javid sharing the value of the importance of strategic and sustainable support for humanitarian projects, such as the West Africa Sierra Leone school project that Muslims in Rail are supporting this Ramadan in its Fast Money campaign.
The event also included thought provoking reminders on the objectives of Ramadan and benefits of fasting, from a physical as well as spiritual perspective (aimed at refining good character and God-consciousness), provided by Shaykh Shafiur Rahman and Sheikh Ibrahim Hussain earlier.
MIR would like to thank all volunteers across all networks and Mosque team, sponsors, and attendees for creating a wonderful festive atmospheric event that shared the essence of Ramadan to many people.
