The Irish Muslim Peace & Integration Council (IMPIC) hosted their annual Community Iftar on 22/04/2022 in the Islamic Centre Ireland, a chance for politicians, third-sector volunteers and the wider community to join the Muslim community for this important Ramadan tradition of breaking the fast as a community.

The event was well attended, with many opposition politicians, people from the third-sector and public services and friends of the Irish Muslim community from all walks of life in attendance.

Shaykh Ahmad Makki began the gathering by welcoming the guests and reciting from the Noble Qur’an, with Shaykh Khaled Sarhan then reading the translation of the verses recited for the benefit of the non-Arabic speakers in attendance.

Shaykh Dr. Umar Al-Qadri (Chairperson, IMPIC) addresses the gathering by welcoming and thanking those in attendance, and delivering a brief presentation on the importance of Ramadan to Muslims here in Ireland and around the world. He said that Ramadan was a voluntarily enforced disruption of a normal routines of consumption and daily life, and – much like the COVID-19 Pandemic – it gave us a chance to take stock of that which really matters in life: community, family, and finding hope in sharing our common humanity over materalism.

Yusuf Murray, Head of Communications MPIC, also thanked the guests for their attendance, and noted that IMPIC was unique in combining high-level policy advocacy with grassroots community events like the daily and weekly prayers and events such as these, providing a unique line from theory to practice that provided the Council with a unique insight and effectiveness.

Local TD Paul Donnelly (Sinn Féin) said it was an honour to attend the first Iftar of his life, and that he hoped to return every year. Senator Marie Sherlock (Labour) remarked it was to the credit of the Irish Muslim community and the Irish nation that we were able to cherish and celebrate our diversity together. Reverend Karen Sethuraman (Baptist Church) travelled all the way from Belfast with her husband to join the congregation, and thanking IMPIC for the invitation, invited those present to join forces in building an “Ireland of neighbours,” loving one another in accordance with the “golden rule” found in all faith traditions.

Also amongst the 300 plus guests and worshippers in attendance were Katie Harrington (Labour), Garda Hayden McGurk (Blanchardstown Gardaí), Shane Waters (Ógra Shinn Féin), Daithí Mac an Bhaird (GCCD), James Kearney (Labour Youth), Andrew O’ Brien (Mayday Badge Appeal) and Brian Coonan.

The IMPIC team would like to thank all of our guests once again, and remind them that our doors are always open for all communities as we seek to build a better society in our shared humanity.