More than a hundred guests were invited to an multi-faith Iftar event at Bolton’s biggest mosque.

The Ramadan gathering was hosted by the Bolton Council of Mosques (BCOM) and the Zakariyya Jaa’me Mosque.

Guests were given a tour of the mosque, found out more about the significance of the fasting month and joined in with worshippers for the Iftar meal.

The month of Ramadan began on March 10 and will culminate in the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr later this week. 

A number of community groups and mosques have been hosting Iftar events in recent weeks, inviting non-Muslims to join in the evening meal to break the fast as well as find out more about Ramadan.

The Bolton News:

Speaking on the day Imteyaz Ali from the Bolton Council of Mosques (BCOM) said he was ‘proud’ about what the event had achieved over the years. 

He said: “This can only be possible with the help of our key stakeholders and partners who are here today, working with us for the betterment of the community.”

Imteyaz pointed out the work BCOM had done with the local council, Greater Manchester Police, Royal Bolton Hospital, the Coroner’s Service and the fire service. HHJ Nick Clark KC was thanked for his help in allocating work experience for young people in the community.

Imteyaz added: “We have a trusted working relationship in working together on many aspects which benefits our communities in different ways. 

“It is time like these we value our relationships and the trust we have working together and having a good understanding of each other’s values and how can achieve so much together.

“We hope and pray we continue with all the good work we do, on community cohesion and maintain what we have, which is more important.

“Can I also extend our gratitude to all of our volunteers, who help us to make these events possible, thank you so much.”