Muslims in Britain have launched the "Open Iftar" initiative since the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, and aims to hold Iftar in a number of distinctive landmarks in Britain, such as museums, skyscrapers, football stadiums and others.
The activities of the initiative began on the second day of the holy month, which fell on Friday, at the famous Victoria and Albert Museum, in a precedent that is the first, and the video scenes showed the influx of hundreds of Muslims to the halls of the museum, which were mediated by breakfast tables, while the distinctive paintings and unique architecture of the museum surrounded them.
Breathtaking evening at the world famous @V_and_A for the first @OpenIftar in London this #Ramadan2023 with @COSARAF. 500+ people from all walks of life sharing food, sitting side by side in The Raphael Court surrounded by Renaissance cartoons from over 400 hundred years! Iconic! pic.twitter.com/sxGab5IOas
— Omar Salha (@o_salha) March 24, 2023
On Saturday, Iftar was held on the 56th floor of one of London's skyscrapers, one of the highest points in Europe, where attendees viewed the country's iconic view from above.
History was made tonight! The highest altitude @OpenIftar in the UK took place at @22Bishopsgate. Stunning 360 panoramic views of #London, turning strangers into friends & celebrating 10 years of @RamadanTent reaching new heights! 🌌 pic.twitter.com/G2tsUVGDNj
— Omar Salha (@o_salha) March 25, 2023
The initiative documented – through its Twitter account – the raising of the Maghrib call to prayer during the event, commenting, "Probably, this is the highest place where the call to prayer has ever been raised."
The adhaan was recited by Imam Abdallah Redouane #OpenIftar #Ramadan pic.twitter.com/WgGD5kXJXx
— Open Iftar (@OpenIftar) March 25, 2023
On Sunday, the English club Chelsea – as promised by its fans – organized a collective breakfast announced in mid-March, to be the first club to make this step in the history of the English Premier League football.
A truly inspirational evening 💙 pic.twitter.com/gJd7TWCjvh
— Chelsea Foundation (@CFCFoundation) March 26, 2023
Iftar witnessed the raising of the Maghrib call to prayer in the stands of the team's stadium "Stamford Bridge", and the performance of prayers in congregation.
Looks like Stamford Bridge @ChelseaFC is not just a home for the Blues, but also a welcoming ground for all faiths. Hearing the Azhan at the Bridge is a true 'goal' for the Muslim community and a 'win' for football in promoting unity and diversity #OpenIftar #Ramadan2023 pic.twitter.com/xRf6ThxZmP
— Open Iftar (@OpenIftar) March 26, 2023
Praying at @ChelseaFC was an iconic experience! It was a match made in heaven – combining the love of prayer and football in one of the most famous stadiums in the world. Let's all keep the spirit of unity and sportsmanship alive, on and off the pitch! ⚽🙏🏽 #OpenIftar #Ramadan pic.twitter.com/RYeEb0a1JN
— Open Iftar (@OpenIftar) March 26, 2023
According to the British Bureau of Statistics (ONS), the proportion of Muslims in England and Wales has risen by 1.2 million over the last decade, bringing the Muslim population to 3.9 million in 2021.
The presence of Muslims in Britain is concentrated in 5 cities, including Birmingham, Bradford and Manchester, and there are more than 250 mosques in Britain.