Practice of prayer in different religions

During Ramadhan, on Friday 23rd June 2017 AMI held its annual #AMIBigIftar, inviting people of all faiths and none to participate and experience an Iftar (breaking of the fast) with people of all religious and cultural backgrounds. In keeping with the spirit of the holy month of Ramadhan, the aim of the event was to encourage multi-faith dialogue within a diverse range of faiths and beliefs through talks and poetry discussing the practice of prayer in different religions. The event received an impressive turnout of over 170 people of all faiths and none who came together to share the ceremonial breaking of the fast with each other.

Led by AMI student Sajeda Sajan, the evening commenced with a beautiful Qur’an recitation by Mr Mohammed Ali including the translation, followed by talks, poetry, recitals and prayers from the following speakers

‘The importance of Prayer and fasting in Ramadhan’ by Mr Sekou Ali Ndiaye (AMI Student)

‘The importance of Prayer in Christianity’ by Father John Kearns followed by a prayer recital by Reverend Claire Turner

‘The importance of Prayer in Hinduism’ by Mrs Jyoti Patel followed by recital of bhajan by Dr Acharya Yadav Samaj

‘The importance of Prayer in Sikhism’ by Mrs Parkash Sohal followed by a prayer

‘The importance of Prayer in Buddhism’ by Mr Yann Lovelock followed by a reading

‘Message in solidarity with the victims of recent attacks’ by Dr David Earle (Vice chair of NGO Universal Peace Federation) and Councillor Raj Mehta (Deputy Mayor of Telford and Wrekin Council)

1 Minute Silence

‘Closing remarks from Director’ by Shaykh Arif Abdulhussein

The evening drew to a close with a message on the spirit of Ramadhan and the activities of Al-Mahdi Institute followed by a raffle draw congregational prayers in AMI gardens, where all were invited to observe or participate and Iftar.