In a town such as Luton, festivals and food often bring people together. However, in a landmark initiative, Bury Park Jamia Mosque invited neighbours from other different religious and cultural backgrounds to come together and share the joy of Eid-ul-Hajj on 24th October 2013.
The Senior Imam and director of the Mosque, extended warm welcome to all and in his speech, he encouraged such initiatives while highlighting the importance of strengthening mutual friendship, peace and understanding across difference faiths and cultures in a town as diverse as Luton.
The highlight of the evening for many was young people from the schools performing nasheed (devotional signing) for the faith leaders, who were very impressed. After the formal talks, delicious food was enjoyed at a local restaurant and conversations lasted over food for more than an hour, which created opportunities for people to mingle and converse informally, while also enjoying the food.
Natu Bhai, a Hindu and also the joint Vice Chair of Luton Council of Faiths said, “Coming and standing with people of different backgrounds, we do not just reflect the richness and diversity of our town, but also promote acceptance while rejecting hatred and prejudice.”