Forging links around town

The holy month of Ramadan draws to a close today, having nurtured new friendships and understanding between Oxfords Muslims and non-Muslims. During Ramadan, Muslims fast during daylight hours before breaking the fast at nightfall with meals called Iftaar.

To mark the month-long feast and promote multi-faith harmony, the Islam and Muslims Awareness Project (iMap) organised an open Iftaar.

iMap member Dr Raghib Ali said:

"Our Iftaar included a brief talk explaining the fast, the opportunity for people from other faiths to meet Muslims and ask any questions they might have, and then the chance to eat food from the Muslim world.

"About 100 people attended and about 80 per cent of them were non-Muslim. The event was very well received." Oxford iMap is a new project, established to increase awareness of Islam and Muslims in Oxford.

"The London bombings and other terrorist atrocities have done great damage to Muslims and the image of Islam in Britain and now, more than ever, it is the duty of Muslims to show our neighbours, friends and colleagues the truth about Islam and Muslims, " said Dr Ali.

Edward and Elisabeth Peters from Oxford, attended the event.

"We were given a warm, personal welcome," said Mr Peters. "The significance of Ramadan was explained to us, and it was personally challenging to me to understand the commitment that lies behind it."

Source: Oxford Mail