The official residence of the Prime Minister of Great Britain, 10 Downing Street, as well as at Lancaster House, the British Foreign Office, a historic Iftar dinner was held in which the Imam of Al-Azhar Mosque, Shaykh Hani Saad Mahmood, was welcomed.
Grag Hands, Chairman of the Conservative Party, welcomed the guests at the 10 Downing Street and acknowledged the contributions of Muslims in the development of Britain. He praised Islam as the religion of peace and security, adding that Ramadan has now become a part of the religious and social culture of Britain. At Lancaster House, Secretary of State Kemi Badenoch and Business Minister Lord Johnson also spoke to the attendees. They congratulated the attendees on the occasion of Ramadan and paid tribute to the Muslim communities living in Britain.
Shaykh Hani Saad Mahmood, Imam of Al-Azhar Mosque in Egypt, was a special guest at the event who enlightened the evening with his recitation of the glorious Qur’an. Nasheeds were recited by the talented Mikhael Mala who also recited the call to prayer. Shaykh Hani Saad Mahmood led the Maghrib Prayer. Executive Member of Al-Azhar Alumni UK, the UK Branch of the World Organisation for Al-Azhar Graduates, Qari Abu Adam Akhlaq al-Azhari was also in attendance. Ambassadors from various countries including Egypt, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Turkey and Pakistan participated in the evening and warmly welcomed and honoured Shaykh Hani Saad Mahmood.
The Iftar dinners at 10 Downing Street and Lancaster House were a significant step towards promoting cultural and religious diversity in Britain. The events showcased the government’s commitment to promoting harmony and inclusivity, and acknowledged the contributions of the Muslim community to the British society.
