12 March 2025 – The East London Mosque (ELM) hosted its much-anticipated Annual Iftar yesterday, bringing together distinguished dignitaries, faith leaders, community representatives, and local officials for an evening of reflection, unity, and friendship.

Under the theme ‘Faith in Friendship: Hope in a Fractured World’, the event highlighted the importance of interfaith bonds and the strength that comes from unity. At a time when connection and understanding are more vital than ever, the evening brought people together in a spirit of friendship and solidarity.

Hosted by Junaid Ahmed, CEO of ELM, the programme began with a moving recitation of the Qur’an by Imam Abdur Rahman Turki, who is one of the four imams leading Taraweeh prayers at the East London Mosque. 

Among the esteemed guests were H.E. Osman Koray Ertaş, Turkish Ambassador to the UK, H.E. Abida Islam, Bangladesh High Commissioner to the UK, and H.E. Osman Topčagić, Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the UK. The ELM also welcomed officials from the Sudanese, Malaysian and Indonesian Embassy, alongside prominent community leaders and representatives of local government.

Welcome & Keynote Address

Dr Abdul-Hayee Murshad, Chairman of the East London Mosque Trust, delivered the opening address with a powerful reflection on the theme, reinforcing that faith in friendship has always been central to the mosque’s mission. Emphasising the need for dialogue and understanding, he stated:

Faith in friendship is the bedrock of this institution. We live in a fractured world, and the only way to heal it is through better communication and active listening. We must pull down the walls between us and build bridges of understanding.

Author and academic Dr Basil Mustafa, who held the Nelson Mandela Fellowship at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies between 1998–2020, delivered an insightful keynote address, drawing upon his extensive research and personal experiences. He reflected on the deep and lasting impact of friendship, sharing how meaningful connections can inspire individuals, strengthen communities, and create positive change in society:

Bonds of friendship empower, motivate, and inspire. They strengthen our social capital and, in many cases, can even restore spiritual well-being. Those who are spiritually enriched have a responsibility to help those who are struggling.

Reflections on Community and Solidarity

H.E. Osman Koray Ertaş, Turkish Ambassador to the UK, acknowledged the challenges of a fragmented world but expressed optimism, drawing attention to major UK initiatives to showcase Islam and the contributions of Muslims. He reminded the audience that Ramadan is a time for compassion, self-reflection, and service:

In a world that often feels divided, places like ELM remind us that hope is alive. Ramadan teaches us to listen, to reflect, and to extend a hand of friendship and solidarity.

Rev’d Dr Catherine Okoronkwo, Residentiary Canon and Steward of St Paul’s Cathedral, shared her reflections on the importance of interfaith relationships, drawing from her own experiences growing up in Palestine. She spoke about the responsibility of faith communities to work together and build legacies of friendship, stating:

People of faith must work even harder to create communities of friendship – communities where we stand together and learn from one another. We must also reflect on what it truly means to be both a host and a guest in each other’s spaces.

Dr Wajid Akhtar, Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB), focused on the vision for strengthening Muslim institutions. He highlighted the crucial role of unity in enacting meaningful change, saying:

When we are united, even the most difficult tasks become possible. When we are divided, even the simplest tasks become overwhelming. The transformation of mosques into thriving community hubs is only possible when we stand together.

Breaking Fast Together: A Moment of Reflection and Gratitude

The event closed with a prayer led by Shaykh Abdul Qayum, Head Imam of ELM, before iftar was served.

Ahmed closed the evening by expressing his heartfelt gratitude to all those in attendance, as well as the staff and volunteers who worked tirelessly to make the event possible. He reflected on the mosque’s role as a hub for connection and community, stating: 

The mosque is more than just a place of worship – it is a centre for bringing people together, fostering meaningful relationships, and creating positive change. We must strengthen bonds of friendship and solidarity, because true progress comes from unity and collaboration.