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A very Good Evening to Everyone

Respected Guest, my name is Mahboob Rasool, and I am the Imam of Cadishead and Irlam Islamic Centre.

Thank you, Muzamil Rasool, Iftikhar Uddin for beautiful recitation and translation and many thanks to Lewis Nelson for his expression.

Thank you all for being with us today once again. I would like to welcome everyone to our second community iftar dinner. from those who have been with us from the beginning of our journey and to those who have joined us today, a very warm welcome.

On behalf of the Irlam & Cadishead Muslim community, I sincerely thank and acknowledge every one of you who helped us to make this event possible today as you did last year. I would especially like to thank Councillors Lewis Nelson, Hannah Smith, Yolande and to chairperson of Lady James Hall Francis Henry and her team.

After 30 years of Muslim’s being in the area. Finally, we able to get our own place, A place for Local Muslim community, A place for accessible to everyone. An Islamic Centre for everyone after long journey of hardships and struggles. And Trust us, all of this would’ve been just a dream if it was not for your immense support.

During this we have been tested from hate against us and destroying our property via smashing our windows. I would like to say for those, that hate have no place in any community. As mentioned in the Holy book Quran

Do not let your hatred of a people cause you to be unjust." (Quran 5:8) Just because you don't like them, doesn't mean you can oppress, mock, or slander them. If they've wronged you, don't wrong them back. Be consistently for justice, even if against yourself & your loved ones.

Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said, "Do not hate one another, nor be jealous of one another; and do not desert one another, but O Allah's worshipers! Be Brothers!  Sahih al-Bukhari 6076. https://sunnah.com/bukhari:6076

And very famous quote that “Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”

And my message to those who did all this, we forgive them as mentioned in the holy Quran.

But indeed, if any shows patience and forgives. that would truly be an exercise of courageous will and resolution in the conduct of affairs.” [Surat Ash-Shuraa 42:43].

Moving forward, I will talk about the holy month of Ramadhan, month of Fasting one of the great pillar of Islam. In terms of fasting, we do not eat or drink anything between sunrise and sunset. Fasting is obligatory for all adult Muslims who are in good health. Fasting is not something unique to Muslims, as other religions also had some form of fasting, in one form or another, as a part of their worship

During this holy month, Muslims throughout the globe, observe fasting, do extra prayers during the night, give to charity, and read and reflect on the teachings of the Holy Quran.  All these forms of worship create a community feeling that is special.

Islam is an inclusive religion.  This is evident by the fact that Moses and Jesus are considered to be true Messengers and Prophets sent by Our Creator for the guidance of Mankind.

I hope that the message from today’s event, will be that the more we interact with each other, the more beneficial it will be for this whole community.  We may be different in terms of race, religion, nationality, language etc, but this diversity is actually a strength.  We are united by our sharing of common beliefs, such as ‘Love thy neighbour’, doing good deeds on an individual level and on a collective community level (that will benefit more people), acting in accordance with the law, respecting the opinions of others etc.

I hope and pray that everyone enjoys this meal. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask us and we shall try to answer as best as we can.

Once again, I thank you for taking part in this event.