Local Huddersfield Muslim Association Hosts Successful Big Iftar Event
A Gathering of Community Leaders
Huddersfield’s Ahmadiyya Muslim Association hosted a successful Big Iftar event on Sunday, 2nd March, at Baitus Samad Mosque, bringing together community leaders, faith representatives, and local dignitaries in a spirit of unity and interfaith harmony. The gathering saw over 60 attendees, including Deputy Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire Major Stan Hardy, Reverend Rachel Spencer, Interfaith Chairman Councillor Munir Ahmad, Councillor Andrew Cooper, Councillor Mohan Sokhal, and Councillor Tyler Hawkinson, representing the Jewish community. The event aimed to foster understanding and dialogue during the sacred month of Ramadan.
Opening Prayers and Presentations
The evening commenced with prayers, followed by an insightful presentation from Sabahat Karim, Regional Missionary, who explored Ramadan from various perspectives. Sikander Mahmood, the youth leader, then highlighted the humanitarian efforts of the Association, detailing its contributions to charity work, food banks, homeless feeding initiatives, tree planting, blood drives, and town centre clean-ups.The Significance of Fasting and Service
Fatihulhaq, External Affairs Secretary, spoke about the significance of fasting beyond abstaining from food and drink, describing it as a means of developing gratitude, empathy, and a sense of social responsibility. He reaffirmed the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’s guiding motto, “Love for All, Hatred for None,” as a principle that inspires service, unity, and peaceful coexistence.
Interfaith Harmony and Community Engagement
Councillor Munir Ahmad underscored the importance of interfaith gatherings in strengthening community cohesion, a sentiment echoed by local MP Harpreet Uppal and other speakers. They praised the Ahmadiyya Muslim community’s ongoing efforts to promote peace, unity, and social welfare. Fatihulhaq also reflected on the generosity of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) during Ramadan, encouraging acts of kindness, charity, and goodwill.
He emphasised that even small gestures, such as a smile or a helping hand, can have a meaningful impact.Closing Thoughts and Gratitude The event concluded with an engaging Q&A session, allowing attendees to discuss faith, social responsibility, and interfaith collaboration. Guests were treated to a meal and received gifts as a token of appreciation. Aamir Shazad, President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association Huddersfield, expressed his gratitude to all attendees for their presence and participation in making the event a success.
In closing, Fatihulhaq highlighted the importance of selfless service and kindness as core Islamic teachings, quoting the poet Rumi: “Raise your words, not your voice. It is rain that grows flowers, not thunder.” He added: “In a world where voices of division are often the loudest, let us choose to speak with wisdom, act with compassion, and build a future where love, understanding, and peace flourish among all people.” The Ahmadiyya Muslim Association Huddersfield remains committed to fostering peace, unity, and service to humanity, working towards a future where love and harmony prevail for generations to come.
