Hundreds gather for first school community Iftar

Around 300 people attended a primary school's first large-scale community Iftar – after weeks of hard work to prepare.

Iftar is the evening meal eaten during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, when Muslims fast every day from dawn to sunset.

Staff at May Park Primary School in Eastville, Bristol, welcomed people from various faiths and backgrounds at the community Iftar on Tuesday.

"This is the real Islam: to share food, to care, and to help each other," said Ammara Ghazai, a nursery support assistant and parent who was responsible for organising the food.

Ramadan began on 28 February and continues until 30 March, culminating in the Eid al-Fitr celebrations.

During this sacred month, Muslims focus on self-improvement, reflection, and charitable acts.

Ghazai said she spent sleepless nights preparing biryani for the gathering.

She expressed her pride in being part of the community and highlighted the significance of breaking the fast with a date.

"It's a team effort; we all cook together," she said. "We break our fast with a date and water - this is the tradition of Islam."

Emma Tovey, headteacher at May Park Primary, emphasised the importance of supporting Muslim pupils and staff during Ramadan.

"We ensure that our students and families know we respect Ramadan and provide a space for older children who are fasting," she said.

"We also have staff members fasting, so we make sure they are looked after."

Sophia, a teacher at the school, helps run a prayer room where children can pray and study throughout Ramadan.

"It's really wholesome to be in there, reading books and educating ourselves," she said.

"It's wonderful to bring the community together and share our Iftar and fasting experiences with people from different backgrounds and faiths."

Salwa, a Year 6 pupil, spoke about the significance of Ramadan and its lessons in gratitude.

"It's a special month for me because families come together," she said.

"Fasting helps us understand how less fortunate people feel when they don't have much food.

"It teaches us not to be greedy and to be good people. I'm happy that my school acknowledges and supports my beliefs and religion."

Bilal Raja, an imam from Jalalabad Mosque and a former student of May Park Primary, reflected on how much things had changed since his time at the school.

"I could never have imagined an event like this when I was younger," he said.

"Year by year, awareness has grown, and the school has created a more inclusive environment.

"Slowly but surely, we're making positive strides in the community."

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