Iftar is the well-earned meal eaten by Muslims who have been fasting from sunrise to sunset during the month of Ramadan.
The holy time sees a billion Muslims around the world take part in the monthly ritual where they refrain totally from food and drink (including water) during daylight hours.
But not everyone has access to a warm and nutritious meal at the end of a fasting day. Given the cost of living crisis raging on – and research that shows 39% Muslims live in the most deprived parts of the UK – it’s likely that many are struggling with bills and high costs of groceries.
But Ramadan is also a time of great generosity and charity, and to that end, there are many initiatives which invite communities to get together and break fast for free.
There are scores of open iftars up and down the country, inviting Muslims and non Muslims alike to join.
These are often free and open to all, allowing those observing Ramadan alone, those looking for community spirit, or those wanting to break bread with their fellow Muslims to enjoy iftar with one another.
Don’t forget there are also initiatives like The Open Kitchen in Hounslow which not only offer meals for iftar time, but operate year-round, Monday to Sunday, giving warm and delicious food to those who need it and want it.
Ramadan Tent Project
The Ramadan Tent Project (RTP), which operates its signature Open Iftar is back again this year, offering meals at some of the most iconic landmarks in the city.
For the first time, RTP’s Open Iftar will be feeding Muslims and beyond in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Cities include Birmingham, Belfast, Blackburn, Brighton, Cambridge, Cardiff, Dundee, Manchester, Newcastle Gateshead, Sheffield, West Bromwich, Windsor and London.
This year, Open Iftar will take place at sports grounds and iconic places, including including Manchester City FC, Brentford FC, Tate Modern, Blackburn Rovers FC, AFC Wimbledon, West Bromwich FC, Windsor Castle, Principality Stadium in Cardiff, V&A Dundee, Young V&A, and City Hall in Belfast.
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The events are free, you just have to register online.
Ramadan Tent Project’s Open Iftar dates
22nd March – West Bromwich – The Hawthorns, West Bromwich Albion FC
23rd March – Windsor – Windsor Castle
24th March – London – Battersea Power Station
25th March – Brighton – Amex Community Stadium, Brighton and Hove Albion FC
26th March – London – SOAS – The Atrium, Paul Webley Wing, Senate House
27th March – London – SOAS – The Atrium, Paul Webley Wing, Senate House
28th March – London – Guildhall, City of London
30th March – London – Shepherd’s Bush Market
1st April – Cardiff – Principality Stadium
2nd April – Sheffield – Kelham Island Museum
3rd April – London – MATRADE Loftus Road Stadium, QPR FC
4th April – Dundee – V&A Dundee
5th April – London – Young V&A
6th April – London – British Library
7th April – Belfast – Belfast City Hall
8th April – London – Trafalgar Square
The Big Iftar, Baitul Futuh Mosque
Organised by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK, the Big Iftar will be a one-off event inviting Muslims and non-Muslims to break fast together.
As part of the iftar, held at the Baitful Futuh Mosque in South London, the event will share Ramadan video diaries, keynote speeches, a three-course meal and a Q&A for people who want to learn more about Islam.
Muslim and non-Muslims can register online to attend the free event.
Rumi’s Cave
Rumi’s Cave, a Muslim community hub, has opened Rumi’s Kitchen in Northwest London which offers hot meals to people of any faith all through the week, and they’re continuing their efforts during Ramadan.
They have a partnership with the Malay cafe Nasi Bungkus London where iftar pickups can be made.
Or alternatively you can visit Rumi’s Kitchen, Monday to Sunday, for community iftars which also feature talks from esteemed scholars.
Rumi’s Kitchen is also focusing on sustainability and reducing waste and is asking people to bring their containers from home, flasks for water and cutlery to reduce the amount of plastic the event uses.
The kitchen will also host a special ‘green deen iftar’ which is yet to be revealed. The iftars are free, and on Sundays, the initiative gives out food to the homeless and the needy. No registration required.
World in Westminster community iftar, Westminster
As part of their World in Westminster Cafe Series, the University of Westminster will be hosting a community iftar open to those of all faiths and none.
The event will see Muslim students and colleagues share their favourite parts of this spiritual time.
There will be a prayer in congregation promptly at Maghrib time, but you’ll have to bring your own prayer mat if you’d like to join. Food, including treats from around the world, will be served after the prayer.
You will need to register for the free event online.
The open iftar, Luton
The is a community event for people in Luton, separate from the Ramadan Tent Project’s Open Iftar.
Organised by Jannah Events, the one-off event will take place on April 3rd between 7-9pm.
The event is free and you just need to register online.
Birmingham Central Mosque
Most, if not all, mosques offer iftar to people during Ramadan and one of them is Birmingham Central Mosque.
The mosque is doing daily community iftars regardless of faith and is not turning anyone away. Walk-ins are welcome and there is no need to register.
Other mosques around the country are doing the same, you can check your local by going to their website, or even just showing up.
Given that Ramadan is a time of great reward and generosity, it is unlikely you will be turned away, regardless of faith.
Do you have a story you want to share? Email MetroLifestyleTeam@metro.co.uk to tell us more.
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