Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, a Muslim month of prayer, reflection, and fasting. Throughout Ramadan, fast breaking Iftar events become spaces of shared hospitality. In Luton, the Near Neighbours–funded Big Iftar led by Inspire FM, along with Iftar gatherings hosted by UK Islamic Mission (UKIM) Luton, Keech Hospice, local mosques and community groups, brought together hundreds of people from diverse religious and professional backgrounds to share a meal and raise funds for charities.
Guests spoke warmly of the “Unity Iftar” at Bushmead Community Hub, where UKIM Luton North drew on the Qur’anic teaching, “We made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another.” They welcomed Christians, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs and Bahá'ís, and invited Christians to speak about Lent, which began on the same day as Ramadan this year. Later, they delivered Ramadan food parcels door to door in the neighbourhood.
It is therefore appalling that a similar iftar event held in London’s Trafalgar Square has been described as an “act of domination” on social media, and misrepresented as something threatening. Trafalgar Square has long been a shared civic space where different religious festivities are held. We therefore condemn the vilifying and singling out of Muslims, and express solidarity with the Muslim communities, locally and beyond. We also condemn the recent attack on Jewish ambulances in North London, and express our solidarity with the Jewish communities.
Every year, as part of the national Hate Crime Awareness Week, Luton Council of Faiths, Churches Together in Luton, Luton Council of Mosques and Luton’s different faith communities including, Jews, Hindus, Sikhs, Bahá'ís, Buddhists and those of no religious affiliation, join together to mark ‘No Place for Hate’ campaign led by Luton Borough Council. In that spirit of our shared commitment to mutual respect and cohesion, we stand firmly against all forms of bigotry, prejudice, and hatred directed at any faith community.
As such it’s hard to celebrate amidst wars, conflict, poverty, hatred, and extremism. Yet our religious festivities remind us that even the smallest spark of light can dispel darkness, and that each of us can kindle that light through solidarity and generosity. May Eid al-Fitr bring joy, blessings, health, and happiness to all who are celebrating.
Also read:
https://www.lutontoday.co.uk/news/opinion/eid-al-fitr-a-call-for-cohesion-and-compassion-6166329
The statement by the Bishop Lusa who is the lead Bishop on Interfaith Relations.
An article by senior leader Bishop Arun Aurora, Bishop of Huddersfield,
He also spoke out in a piece on BBC2 Newsnight on 20th Mar’26
Newsnight - British bases to aid Iran attack - BBC iPlayer (at around 18:31)
Dr Fiaz Hussain (L) of UKIM Luton North welcomed people from diverse religious and professional backgrounds to ‘Unity Iftar’ event at Bushmead Community Centre.