Latest news with #OmarSalha
Express Tribune
23-03-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
The West awakens to Ramazan
Iftar is going places. After being arranged in recent years at well-known public places like the Trafalgar Square in London and the Times Square in New York, iftar has finally made it to the Windsor Castle, a residence of the British royal family since the late 11th century. Iftar was arranged at the castle's St George's Hall, which is normally used to entertain heads of state and for special banquets, on March 2. According to the BBC, the call to prayer echoed throughout the over 1,000-year-old building to signal the time to break the fast. Dates were eaten and prayers offered before a hearty meal was served to about 350 people. 'It's very kind of the royal family to open their home to us,' a woman attendee told a reporter. Another one said: 'We never thought we'd be here breaking iftar. We've come a long way.' The iftar, for which no entry fee was charged, was organised by London-based charity Ramazan Tent Project (RTP), which has been arranging such events under its initiative termed 'Bringing Communities Together'. 'We are incredibly grateful for his (King Charles') support towards the British Muslim community,' said Omar Salha, the founder and chief executive of RTP. 'The king is an excellent ambassador for this cause and is committed to community cohesion.' An award-winning charity that has been organising Ramazan events since 2013, RTP has to date arranged open iftars at such historic places as the British Library, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Royal Albert Hall, and the Shakespeare's Globe. The not-for-profit organisation has also been holding open iftars at the Trafalgar Square, which like the other places mentioned above is situated in London. The first open iftar at London's iconic square was arranged in 2022 and has since been organised without fail each year. London's Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan, a politician whose parents were from Pakistan, has been a regular patron of this project. Ramazan in America Under a similar initiative launched across the Atlantic Ocean, open iftar and taraweeh are arranged during the holy month of Ramazan at the renowned Times Square in New York. The first open iftar at this iconic place was arranged on April 2, 2022 and the latest one on March 2 this year. The event, termed 'Taraweeh in Times Square' is sponsored by an organisation called 'Project Zamzam'. Between 1,000 and 2,000 meals are distributed during the event. Another important event held this year in the US was the annual iftar in Houston. The event was held by the Mayor of Houston and Sister Cities Associations and attracted more than 2,500 attendees from diverse backgrounds and professions. Houston's Mayor John Whitmire was the chief guest on the occasion. Other guests included Congressman Al Green, prominent American businessman Javed Anwar, business tycoon Tanweer Ahmed, diplomats from various countries, senior government officials, and community leaders. Texas Governor Greg Abbott's speech was displayed on a large screen. Speaking to the media, Mr Whitmire praised the organisers, stating that the iftar was not just the mayor's event but a collective celebration of all the communities, symbolising religious tolerance, harmony, and unity. Not to be left behind, Muslims in the Australian city of Sydney also hold a food festival during the holy month, which is called the 'Lakemba Nights during Ramazan'. Famous for its diverse cuisine, this global food bazaar spans several streets across the suburb of Lakemba, and one can get their hands on everything from camel burgers to biryani, and so much more. Last year some 1.6 million visitors from across Australia visited its stalls. This year too more than 60 local businesses — including five food trucks — transform Lakemba's Haldon Street into a vibrant foodie hotspot every Thursday to Sunday, from 6pm to 2am. Newspaper articles The events described above are not the only indicators that show Ramazan is gaining wider recognition across the world, particularly in metropolitan cities. As compared to the past, an increasing number of articles and features are now being published by Western newspapers and websites that describe in detail rituals and rites performed by Muslims during the holy month. An article published in 'The Guardian' on March 25, 2024 is a case in point. It was a heartfelt piece in which an Afghan man, who was reunited with his family in an Australian city after several years, spoke about the personal as well as universal lessons of Ramazan, thereby emphasising its relevance beyond the Muslim community. As compared to the piece mentioned above an article published by the Associated Press in February this year — entitled 'What is Ramazan and how do Muslims observe the Islamic holy month?' — was a far simpler one as it mainly sought to explain fundamental concepts related to fasting. 'The Guardian' published an article about Ramazan this year on March 12, which was written by one Nesrine Malik. The self-explanatory title of the article was 'The long wave: From aseeda to Vimto, Ramazan traditions across the diaspora'. One of the leading dailies of India, the 'Indian Express', published on March 15 a very interesting piece, which was titled 'Ramazan 2025: Top 10 global cities with the longest and shortest fasting hours'. According to this piece, the cities where Muslims will have to fast for the longest periods of time include Nuuk in Greenland and Reykjavik in Iceland. The newspaper quoted as saying that devotees living in the two aforesaid cities will have to do without food and water for about 16 hours on March 29, the final and longest day of fasting this year. Other cities with long durations of fasting are Glasgow (Scotland), Berlin (Germany), and Moscow in Russia. On the other hand, those residing in Johannesburg, South Africa, and Canberra, Australia, will fast for just over 13 hours on the last day of Ramazan this year. The other places with short durations of fasting include Brasilia (Brazil), Jakarta (Indonesia), and Luanda in Angola. The above facts make it clear that Ramazan is gaining more publicity as compared to the past. But why is that? Is it because the fever of Islamophobia is on the wane? Or because it's some sort of a compensation after Israeli forces rained death and destruction over Gazans for more than a year. Well, the answer to both those questions is in the negative, at least to the extent of the US. So, while the British government and the royal family may have become somewhat sympathetic towards the Muslims lately, the Trump administration cannot be expected to harbour such sentiments, especially after it put Mahmoud Khalil, the student who helped organise protests over the Gaza genocide at the Columbia University, behind bars on the charges of supporting Hamas. The administration is trying to deport the young activist even though he possesses a green card. That episode shows the US government wants to maintain close ties with the Israeli government and doesn't care at all about the Muslims. One reason why the Muslim communities are increasingly holding Ramazan events at key public places now could be their newfound desire to play a more active role in their chosen countries than before. In other words, they may have decided that time to come out of their shells and take matters into their own hands may have come; so they should shed their low-key profiles and take on bolder projects. Growing confidence The other reason could be the realisation on their part that Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world. They should start asserting themselves now that their populations are growing in Western countries. According to a report that builds on Pew Research Centre's original projections, the population of Muslims across the world will grow more than twice as fast as the overall world population, between 2015 and 2060. This means that in the second half of this century Muslims will likely surpass Christians as the world's largest religious group. While the world's population is projected to grow 32 per cent in the coming decades, the number of Muslims is expected to increase by 70 per cent — from 1.8 billion in 2015 to nearly 3 billion in 2060. In 2015, Muslims made up 24.1 per cent of the global population. Forty-five years later, they are expected to make up more than three-in-ten of the world's people (31.1 per cent). A critical factor in the unfolding scenario could be a noticeable increase in the rate at which Christians or people of other faiths are embracing Islam. A 2017 Pew Research report found that one in five of 1,001 surveyed Muslims in the US were converts. This augurs well for the future of Muslims in America in particular and the West in general. Ends Nizamuddin Siddiqui is an author who teaches journalism at Hamdard University, Karachi All facts and information are the sole responsibility of the writer
Yahoo
22-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Hundreds attend community Iftar at football stadium
Around 400 people have attended a community Iftar meal held at Aston's Villa's football stadium during Ramadan. The Open Iftar saw members of the local community gather to break their fast together at Villa Park's Holte End on Friday evening. The free event, organised by charity Ramadan Tent Project, is one of dozens taking place throughout the Islamic holy month, where Muslims fast everyday from dawn to sunset. Sam Ghataora, EDI lead at Aston Villa, said the club wanted to create a space for all cultures by "celebrating the spirit of Ramadan through shared meals". Ramadan, which usually lasts between 29 and 30 days, began on the evening of 28 February this year and is expected to end on 30 March. During the month, Muslims refrain from food and water during daylight hours, starting their fast with a meal known as Suhoor, and breaking their fast with an Iftar meal, immediately after sunset. Ramadan Tent Project, now in its 12th year, sees free Open Iftar events held at sports venues, museums and other landmarks across the UK, culminating with a meal in London's Trafalgar Square on 29 March. The events are open to people of all faiths and none, and all cultures and backgrounds. Omar Salha, project founder and CEO, said the theme of this year's festival was Connection, to "connect more hearts and minds". "Ramadan holds profound significance for millions observing across the UK and many more across the globe," Mr Salwa said. "It is a time of deep introspection, reflection, and self-discipline. It is also a time to connect with family, friends, and the wider community through acts of service and charity," he added. Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. Open Iftar event takes place at football stadium What is Eid al-Fitr and how do Muslims celebrate it? Open Iftar event held at Villa Park Ramadan event helping bring community together In pictures: People eat at free Iftar Ramadan Tent Project
Arab News
10-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Shakespeare's Globe hosts Ramadan iftar, creating history, building bridges in London
LONDON: The Ramadan Tent Project has returned to one of London's iconic landmarks, Shakespeare's Globe, to host for the second time an iftar for nearly 500 people seated in a meticulously rebuilt 17th century theater. For the past 12 years, the Ramadan Tent Project charity has organized iftar events with a dedicated message of 'turn strangers into friends' at some of the UK's most iconic and loved landmarks, including Trafalgar Square, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and Wembley Stadium. This Ramadan, the RTP's first iftar event last week welcomed 350 people into Windsor Castle, for the first time in the royal estate's 1,000-year history, to break their fast in St George's Hall, which traditionally hosted banquets for heads of state. Every year, it seems we are creating new history, but at the same time, we are building new bridges, and that's the most important thing Omar Salha, founder of Ramadan Tent Project In 2023, the RTP organized an open iftar at Shakespeare's Globe for the first time. It was a different experience compared to this week's event, as the organizers entertained the audience in the gallery from the creaky wooden thrust stage, which has an open roof, without the help of microphones. Since its launch in 1997, directors of the Globe have debated whether to cling to Elizabethan-era conditions or use modern technology. Fortunately, microphones and spotlights were used during this week's iftar. However, attendees and media were instructed to take close-up pictures of the interior to avoid capturing images from the 'Macbeth' set, which is set to launch this week on March 13. The long queue for the open iftar on the south bank of the River Thames attracted people from London and visitors from Scotland, Cambridge, Sheffield, and even a family from South Africa. Omar Salha, the founder and CEO of Ramadan Tent Project, told Arab News that the most rewarding experience of putting the open iftars for over a decade is 'seeing the smiles on people's faces, the joy, the spirit and the energy in these events.' He said the charity was grateful for its increasing support and the generosity of King Charles III, who opened his royal castle for British Muslims to host an iftar. 'Every year, it seems we are creating new history, but at the same time, we are building new bridges, and that's the most important thing,' he added. This open iftar is a moment of extending and reaching in friendship, connection, and community Stella Kanu, CEO of Globe Theatre Sajeda, one of the first in line, waited for the event to start outside the Globe's unmistakable thatched roof, white plaster facade, and timber frames, looking at the River Thames. She told Arab News that she attended one of the RTP's open iftars when they were small and organized in a park in central London. 'You didn't have to register online then,' she said. 'It is always a very enjoyable (iftar) because you see the multicultural aspect of it ... you can see Asians, white people, British and non-British and everyone, so it's like a melting pot of multi-cultures.' A blog post on the RTP's website mentions that Shakespeare employed Muslim characters to challenge Elizabethan ideas of race and identity of his time, most notably through the character of Othello in a play carrying the protagonist's name. Stella Kanu, the CEO of Globe Theatre, told Arab News that she hopes the RTP's iftar becomes a recurring event in the venue's calendar. '(This) open iftar (is) a moment of extending and reaching in friendship, connection, and community,' she said. 'That's everything about the Globe and what Ramadan is trying to encourage us to think about in those moments of introspection, prayer, and hope.' The crowd enjoyed some poetry before the Maghreb call to prayer, marking the fasting day's end. They waited nearly an hour for everyone to finish the Maghreb prayer, which took place in two groups before they were served a delicious meal of chicken or aubergine with chickpeas, pilau rice, and yogurt prepared by the restaurant Comptoir Libanais. For a moment, everything seemed as though 'All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players.' People remained seated in the gallery while eating, gazing at the stage, a replica of the original damaged in fire in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, at a site 230 meters from the current Globe. At the event, Rayyan and Ayaan, two brothers from London, told Arab News that breaking their fast with people from many different backgrounds and nationalities was 'something really special.' Shakirah, an aspiring actress, said she will remember the RTP's iftar for the community spirit, meeting new people, and bonding with family in a historical place like the Globe.
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
King's College to host Ramadan open Iftar event
Hundreds of people will share a meal and break their Ramadan fast at a free open Iftar event organised within a Cambridge college. The holy month of Ramadan, which began over the weekend, sees Muslims fast and refrain from eating or drinking between dawn and sunset. Ramadan Tent Project (RTP), a charity bringing people together during the Islamic month, is hosting about 20 open Iftars across the country at iconic venues including Windsor Castle with an aim to bridge gaps. Founder Omar Salha said the team had seen an "overwhelming" interest in the project, adding: "It is a great moment of cultural diplomacy .. to raise the profile of inter-faith dialogue - now more than ever." More than 300 people are expected to attend the open Iftar at King's College on Friday. Muslims will break their fast at about 17:40 GMT after a call to prayer at the dining hall within the university grounds on King's Parade. Worshippers will be joined for their meal by people of different faiths - and no faiths. The open Iftars are free this year but visitors are encouraged to make a donation if they wish. Mr Salha said: "Food is a great mediator and open Iftar is really what the name says - it's welcoming to all, irrespective of their faith or background. "We have been overwhelmed by the invitations and interests from some of Britain's most loved and iconic spaces, who want to open their doors and welcome us too. "It is a way of extending our arms to the wider community and turn strangers into friends." Ramadan Tent Project started in 2013 with an aim of fostering community ties and over the years it has brought together over a million people across the UK. "People see the end product, Mr Salha said. "But it is months of negotiation and conversation to make it happen. "It is an excellent example of how methods of bridging can create spaces of belonging for all faiths and none." The dean of King's College Chapel, Reverend Dr Stephen Cherry, said: "We're delighted that Open Iftar is returning to King's College this year. "For us it is an important act of hospitality that allows members of the Cambridge community to come together during Ramadan in a spirit of shared learning, respect, harmony and celebration." Follow Cambridgeshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. 'Amazing atmosphere' at Windsor Castle Iftar event Muslims begin holy month of Ramadan Ramadan Tent Project
BBC News
07-03-2025
- General
- BBC News
King's College, Cambridge to host open Iftar during Ramadan
Hundreds of people will share a meal and break their Ramadan fast at a free open Iftar event organised within a Cambridge holy month of Ramadan, which began over the weekend, sees Muslims fast and refrain from eating or drinking between dawn and Tent Project (RTP), a charity bringing people together during the Islamic month, is hosting about 20 open Iftars across the country at iconic venues including Windsor Castle with an aim to bridge Omar Salha said the team had seen an "overwhelming" interest in the project, adding: "It is a great moment of cultural diplomacy .. to raise the profile of inter-faith dialogue - now more than ever." More than 300 people are expected to attend the open Iftar at King's College on will break their fast at about 17:40 GMT after a call to prayer at the dining hall within the university grounds on King's Parade. Worshippers will be joined for their meal by people of different faiths - and no open Iftars are free this year but visitors are encouraged to make a donation if they Salha said: "Food is a great mediator and open Iftar is really what the name says - it's welcoming to all, irrespective of their faith or background."We have been overwhelmed by the invitations and interests from some of Britain's most loved and iconic spaces, who want to open their doors and welcome us too."It is a way of extending our arms to the wider community and turn strangers into friends." 'Spaces of belonging' Ramadan Tent Project started in 2013 with an aim of fostering community ties and over the years it has brought together over a million people across the UK."People see the end product, Mr Salha said. "But it is months of negotiation and conversation to make it happen."It is an excellent example of how methods of bridging can create spaces of belonging for all faiths and none."The dean of King's College Chapel, Reverend Dr Stephen Cherry, said: "We're delighted that Open Iftar is returning to King's College this year."For us it is an important act of hospitality that allows members of the Cambridge community to come together during Ramadan in a spirit of shared learning, respect, harmony and celebration." Follow Cambridgeshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
