6 March 2026

The East London Mosque (ELM) hosted its Annual Iftar Reception this week under the theme “United for Goodness,” bringing together dignitaries, faith leaders, community partners and representatives from across civic and public life.

Guests were welcomed by Junaid Ahmed, Chief Executive Officer of the East London Mosque, who reflected on the spiritual significance of Ramadan as a time of reflection, generosity and renewal. He noted that fasting encourages believers to develop God-consciousness and strengthen bonds with one another.

Addressing the gathering, he said “United for Goodness is more than a theme – it is a call to action. When civil society, the private sector and communities come together with sincerity and purpose, the impact is far greater than what any one of us could achieve alone.”

The evening began with a recitation from the Qur’an by Shaykh Mu’taz Al Ghannam, followed by remarks from Dr Abdul-Hayee Murshad, Chairman of the East London Mosque Trust, who spoke about the virtues of Ramadan and the responsibility of people of faith to stand together where justice and compassion meet.

Reflecting on the importance of human connection, Murshad said “Institutions alone do not build relationships – people do.” He also spoke about the pursuit of goodness and the dignity of every human being, adding “When faith is lived with integrity, it becomes a force for compassion and hope.”

Archdeacon Peter Farley-Moore, leader in the Stepney Area of the Church of England, addressed the gathering on the theme of solidarity in an uncertain world. He described solidarity as the practice of standing with one another in times of difficulty and emphasised the importance of maintaining unity across communities.

Referring to the evening’s gathering, Archdeacon Peter Farley-Moore noted that sharing a meal and building relationships across cultures and faiths helps “lay a secure foundation for peace in our world.” 

 

H.E. Osman Topčagić, Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina, spoke about his childhood memories of Ramadan in Bosnia, when Muslims, Christians and Jews lived together and shared in one another’s celebrations.

Reflecting on the Bosnian war, Ambassador Topčagić described how the breakdown of those social bonds led to conflict, and emphasised the importance of strengthening civic relationships through gatherings such as the East London Mosque Iftar.

Writer and broadcaster Sarah Joseph reminded the audience of the importance of cooperation, stating “In Islam we work for the common good. We are not called to withdraw, but to cooperate and unite for goodness.” She added that Islam encourages believers to cultivate a “legacy mindset”, reflecting not only on the present but on the future, they are helping to shape.

 

The East London Mosque Annual Iftar Reception brings together partners, community leaders and faith representatives during Ramadan to meet, share a meal and strengthen relationships.

We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to friends and partners from the London Fire Brigade, the Metropolitan Police, Tower Hamlets Council, The Embassy of Sudan, The Salvation Army, St George-in-the-East, St Paul’s Cathedral, and heads of local schools for being part of the evening.