8 hours ago
Newport's Islamic history remembered at Eid-ul-Adha celebration
The celebration was organised by the Islamic Society of Wales and its Secretary, Mubarak Ali. The Muslim festival celebrates sacrifice and duty and commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son when God ordered him to.
The gathering heard speeches about community cohesion, diversity and tolerance in a multi-faith world and the importance of togetherness in difficult and uncertain times.
Mr Ali also spoke warmly about the history and contribution of the first prominent generation of post war Muslims who settled in Newport, including his father Ghulam Qadir, who came to Gwent in the early 1960s.
The men from many Commonwealth countries, especially Pakistan, came to Wales for opportunities and a new life, said Mr Ali.
He said many men would live in a shared house, which at the earliest stage was 20 Hill Street, Baneswell. That community now has its descendants in Newport and they are familiar faces in and around the city.
That initial community opened its first Mosque in 1973, by digging out a cellar in Potter Street, Pill, before moving to Llanwern Street the following year. They then moved on to Stow Hill in 1977, before arriving at Victoria Road, in 2008, where the Islamic Society for Wales remains to this day.
Mentioned in speeches were founders and early movers such as trustees of the Mosque and Islamic Society for Wales: Sabair Hussain, Ghulam Mohammad, Molazam Hussein and original President of the Mosque and Islamic Society for Wales, Yusuf Ali, now retired.
Speaking after the event Mubarak Ali expressed his hopes: 'It was a well-received event and that listening is so important during these difficult times.
'We are so happy to come here and talk of community cohesion, peace and bringing different communities together. I would like to thank our hosts for their generosity and warmth.
"Let's all hope for peace in our shared world,' he concluded.
Guests in attendance included: Kate Thomas, Lord Mayor of Newport, Jane Mudd, Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent and Chief Superintendent Carl Williams also of Gwent Police.
