Egyptian Olympic Team Opens Fast at London Mosque

Harrow Central Mosque in London hosts Egyptian Olympic Team and the Metropolitan Police Commissioner for Iftar meal organised by Iftar 2012.

On 11 August 2012, the Egyptian Olympic Team visited the Harrow Central Mosque in London for a special programme in their honour and Iftar meal (fast-opening feast) organised by Iftar 2012. With the Olympic Games being held in the city of London and the timing coinciding with the holy fasting month of Ramadan, Iftar 2012 has been working closely with the London authorities, Olympic organisers as well as numerous mosques and community centres in bringing communities and athletes together by organising Iftar meals in different venues.

On this occasion, the athletes from Egypt and their delegation were welcomed at the Harrow Central Mosque to open their fast amongst members of the local community and other dignitaries. The Head of Education at Harrow Central Mosque is Imam Iftikhar Daad al-Azhari, a graduate of Jamia Al-Karam and Al-Azhar University of Cairo and is a Member of the UK Branch of the World Association for Al-Azhar Graduates (WAAG UK).

Special guest at the mosque was the Metropolitan Police Commissioner of London, Mr Bernard Hogan-Howe who was welcomed by the Chairman of the Harrow Central Mosque, Mr Irfan Hussain. Also in attendance was Mr Shaukat Warraich, President of Faith Associates (London) and organiser of Iftar 2012.

On behalf of the UK Branch of the World Association for Al-Azhar Graduates (WAAG UK), the Vice President, Bakhtyar H Pirzada al-Azhari, accompanied by Imam Zein Hud al-Azhari attended the event and met with members of the Egyptian delegation introducing them to the works of Al-Azhar in the UK under the patronage of the Grand Imam, Dr Ahmad al-Tayyeb Shaykh al-Azhar.

Upon their arrival, the Egyptian Olympic Team were welcomed by the local community and a programme in their honour was hosted at the mosque in which the Police Commissioner shared a few words. A meal was prepared for all in attendance at the time of the opening of the fast. Following the Maghrib Prayer, members of the delegation had the opportunity of touring the mosque complex and meeting members of the community as well as other dignitaries.

[ENDS]