The UK Turkish Islamic Trust and Metropolitan Police Service invite you to break fast, or ‘iftar’ as Muslims would say, at the UK’s first Turkish-owned mosque in Dalston this Friday, 24 May.

Shacklewell Lane Mosque will be opening its doors to its regular worshippers and other Muslims in the capital, and to those curious to know more about Islam and Ramazan.

The inter-faith evening will include a complimentary communal meal, and talks by special guest speakers.

Erkin Guney, head of the mosque’s board of trustees, said: “One of the best things about this holy month is the communal breaking of the daily fast. It is a joyous occasion. On Friday night, we host our annual iftar and open our doors to Muslims and non-Muslims alike in a spirit of celebration and reflection.”

 

“We are organising the event jointly with local police officers. Everyone is most welcome to attend,” he added.

About Ramadan

Ramadan, or Ramazan as Turks call it, is the holiest month of the Islamic calendar, where all able-bodied adult Muslims abstain from food and drink between the hours of sunrise and sun down. It is the single biggest act of mass religious observance in the world.

During the month, Muslims reflect on their lives and practice moderation, while remembering what the Kuran teaches about kindness, selflessness and discipline. Perhaps more importantly, it is a time to remember those less fortunate than themselves; the poor, the homeless and others who cannot meet their basic physical needs.

After 30 days of fasting ends, Muslims celebrate with a 3-day festival known as Eid al-Fitr, or “Şeker Bayramı” in Turkish, because after a month of abstinence, people can indulge by eating sweet things. This year Eid will start on 4 June.

Event details

Event: Ramadan Kareem Community Iftar 2019

Date: Friday 24 May 2019

Time: 8pm start, seating at 8.30pm, dinner and talks until 10pm

Venue: Shacklewell Lane Mosque (also known as Masjid Ramadan), 9-15 Shacklewell Lane, Dalston, London E8 2DA.

Admission: The evening is open to all and the meal is free of charge. No prior reservation is required. The dinner is held in the mosque and attendees are therefore asked to dress modestly, and to remove their shoes before entering the prayer hall.