The Muslim Jewish Forum of Greater Manchester
Established to develop the cultural and social ties between the Muslim and Jewish communities of Greater Manchester
9 March 2025
An iftar is the meal at the end of a day fasting during Ramadan. Community iftars are open to people of all faiths and none and have become a positive feature of our diverse society. We have held an iftar every year since 2013 except where the coronavirus pandemic rendered it impossible.
For the second year running, the location was the Salford Suite at Salford Civic Centre in Swinton. There was a record attendance with 53 guests attending including Muslims, Jews, Christians, and people of other faiths and none. Our Co-Chair, Cllr Heather Fletcher, who is the current Deputy Ceremonial Mayor of Salford, was the Master of Ceremonies.
Before the breaking of the fast, the guests listened attentively to four speakers.
Firstly, the Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester Mrs Diane Hawkins spoke about her role as Lord Lieutenant representing the King. She outlined the importance of faith to King Charles, and his concern for people of other faiths. For example, King Charles ensured that the Chief Rabbi could attend his coronation without violating Sabbath travel laws by letting him stay in a royal palace so he could walk to the coronation.
Forum Co-Chair Mohammed Amin MBE spoke about fasting in Islam. He was a last-minute replacement for the Forum's Co-Founder Afzal Khan CBE MP who was required to attend an iftar in his constituency. Amin explained why Muslims fast, what is prohibited during Ramadan, and the benefits of fasting.
He recorded his 5-minute talk and you can hear it by clicking the embedded player below.
The Dean of Manchester Cathedral Rogers Govender spoke about fasting in Christianity. He told stories of poverty in his native South Africa and stated that in Christianity it was important to love God, to love your neighbour, and to love yourself. Fasting came under the third of these, as it helped you to look after your own body.
Graham Gordon, a Jewish member of the Forum’s Executive, spoke about fasting in Judaism with emphasis on culture and sentiment. He shared stories from the Muslim school where he works and other stories about his uncle Cyril Harris who was the Chief Rabbi of South Africa.
Cllr Rabnawaz Akbar, a Muslim Forum Executive member, gave the vote of thanks.
After the speeches were completed, the traditional dates and water were provided for people to break their fasts. A delicious vegetarian meal was then provided for all, with facilities for Muslims who wished to pray, with the prayers being led by Cllr Rabnawaz Akbar.
Owen Power, who represents the York Liberal Jewish Community on the Board of Deputies of British Jews, said:
"Community cohesion was much in evidence this evening in the splendid Salford Suite where Cllr Heather Fletcher ably hosted the MJF iftar. There were some good speakers, and the food was delicious, but the highlight was the wonderful atmosphere which resulted in some great conversations.”
Salford Councillor Mishal Saeed, who is a Muslim, said:
"I was delighted to attend the annual iftar organised by the MJF. It was a beautiful evening where we shared more than just a meal; we shared a deep commitment to understanding, compassion, and respect for our faiths whilst also welcoming those of different or no faiths.”
The photo below is a collage of the speakers. Clockwise from the top left:
The photo below shows some of the local councillors who attended. All of them serve on Salford City Council except Muqadassah Bano who serves on Manchester City Council.
From the left:
University of Salford student journalist Max Davies visited the iftar with our permission, and recorded a couple of interviews. These appeared in Salford University's YouTube programme "Quays News." You can watch it below.
Max Davies recorded 31 minutes worth of interviews, which had to be cut down to the short extract shown in the "Quays News" programme above. However Max has kindly given us copies of the full recordings which we are delighted to publish in the videos which you can watch below.
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The Muslim Jewish Forum of Greater Manchester
Established to develop the cultural and social ties between the Muslim and Jewish Communities of Greater Manchester