The Shakespeare Globe Theatre, one of the largest historical theatres in London, hosted a collective Iftar for a number of Muslims, organized by the Open Iftar initiative.
The CEO of the theater, Amir Eden, welcomed the attendees, and said, "We never imagined hosting an iftar in our theater, we would like to thank the theater management for this step, which confirms the strength of the values of belonging and unity."
The call to prayer resounded between the halls of the theater, and the audience prayed in congregation in a moment, the first of which was the Shakespeare Theater, which is famous for the presence of kings and celebrities for its performances.
We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all our volunteers and sponsors who made this #OpenIftar event at the Shakespeare’s Globe possible. We are grateful for your commitment to fostering a sense of community and unity. @myalgbra @LidlGB @yurtdisiturkler @IslamicReliefUK pic.twitter.com/LQ6MZmP3Ys
— Open Iftar (@OpenIftar) April 10, 2023
The footage showed hundreds listening to the call to prayer throughout the ancient theater with its distinctive décor, in a scene that won the admiration of the pioneers of the stages.
What an experience! Over 400 people from different backgrounds gathered at Shakespeare’s Globe theatre to break their fasts, and watching a special performance of Adhan, "God is Great". My gratitude to @OpenIftar, @The_Globe & all participants #Ramadan_Kareem, #Ramadan_brings us together pic.twitter.com/96cN2nLzhH
— Sundus Omar Ali (@sundusomarali) April 10, 2023
A number of Muslim artists presented some segments after Iftar to introduce the Islamic religion and the month of Ramadan, and the event was characterized by a distinctive atmosphere.
The Adhan rings out in the air, a melody so sweet it doth move the soul. It bids us to break our fast and seek divine grace. Come hither, all ye who gather at Shakespeare’s Globe, and let us heed the Adhan’s call together. #Ramadan @The_Globe pic.twitter.com/4d64Obl4uG
— Open Iftar (@OpenIftar) April 10, 2023
The Iftar was attended by a number of prominent figures, including the former Ambassador of Iraq to the Kingdom of Norway, Sundus Omar Ali, who wrote on her official account, "It is a wonderful experience for more than 400 people from different backgrounds to gather at the Shakespeare Globe Theatre for Iftar and hear the call for Iftar with the word: Allahu Akbar," and thanked the organizers and the theater.
Come hither, all ye who gather at Shakespeare’s Globe. The sweet strains of Islamic nasheeds fill the air at the #OpenIftar, brought to us by @wawcreativearts. Their melodious tunes move the heart and uplift the soul, evoking the joyous spirit of Ramadan. pic.twitter.com/82d2Qx9vGk
— Open Iftar (@OpenIftar) April 10, 2023
Sabrina Jamil, one of the attendees, expressed her joy at the moment: "Today was my first time at the famous theater, Shakespeare Globe, where I had my breakfast with hundreds of people. Thank you for treating us well in this wonderful place."
Today was my first time at the world renowned, Shakespeare’s Globe, opening my fast alongside hundreds of people. Such a treat managing @OpenIftar Twitter for the day in this dreamy venue 🎭 #Ramadan @The_Globe pic.twitter.com/RhgJEU9lfG
— Sabrina (@_sabrinajamil) April 10, 2023
According to the British Bureau of Statistics (ONS), the proportion of Muslims in England and Wales has risen by 1.2 million in the last 3 years, bringing the Muslim population to 9.2021 million in <>.
The presence of Muslims in Britain is concentrated in 5 cities, including Birmingham, Bradford and Manchester, and there are more than 250 mosques in the country.