Communities across Northamptonshire open fast in intercultural iftar dinner

Police and fire colleagues joined community members from across different faiths and cultures to celebrate an evening focusing on the topic of ‘peace and unity’ that is widely recognised during the Muslim holy month of Ramadhan.

The annual event gave community members from across various faiths in the County an opportunity to speak to, and learn from, people they may not otherwise have the opportunity to do.

Organised by Northamptonshire Police, in conjunction with the charity Dialogue Society, and supported by Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service, the gathering brought together people from different backgrounds and faiths in a series of speeches aimed at increasing understanding and dialogue.

The community iftar event which took place on Sunday, March 17 at the Sikh Community Centre, St James Mill Road, saw over 100 people in attendance.

The event was opened by Father Oliver Coss from the All Saints Church who led with a moment of silence, after saying: “Let us spend some time in stillness and remember what we are here to do. And remember those that are not here, and those who can’t be with us and those who are far away yet very close to our hearts. We live through a period of increased anxiety and people of faith and people of no faith have an obligation to try and alleviate human suffering.”

Hakk Ozal from the Dialogue Society Charity, said: “While this sacred month carries particular significance for Muslims, its values of compassion, reflection, and community resonate across all faiths and traditions. It reminds us that our human journeys, though diverse, are fundamentally intertwined.

“In a world too often afflicted by division, our theme of 'Peace and Unity' echoes the teachings of Islam. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "None of you truly believes until you love for your brother what you love for yourself." This hadith emphasizes that true faith transcends our own needs, urging us to desire good for others as we do for ourselves.”

This year the event was made special with the inclusion of students from Northampton School for Boys and Sunnyside Academy, who read out poems they had written.

The fast was opened with the sound of the adhan – Islamic recitation – that was done by a Hashir Khan from Victoria Primary Academy.

Guests were also given the opportunity to learn more about different faiths through an interactive quiz delivered by PC Tim Walker and his mum, the Vice Lord Lieutenant Morcea Walker.

Dominic Goble, Deputy Lieutenant of Northamptonshire, said: “Your theme today of Peace and Unity could not come at a more important time for both our nation’s history and, indeed, for the history of the world: A world too often scarred with division and discord. It is events like these that remind us of the power of dialogue, understanding and empathy.

“Meeting people, listening to each other, talking with each other, laughing together, sometimes shedding a tear together, exchanging and debating each other’s ideas and thoughts. These are often the best, most memorable and certainly the most enlightening times of our lives.”

Superintendent Rachel Handford, spoke about the training delivered to new police officer recruits and said: “We can’t have peace and unity with a selfish society. One of the things I talk about at leadership courses is how you are going to be a leader and how you are going to lift those officers to go out into society to do their roles. If you want to act in a selfish way, then you’re never going to be successful.”

She also spoke about the voluntary work Special Constables deliver, saying: “They put on the uniform and go out with no pay because they want to help people.”

Sophia Perveen, Chair of the Association of Muslim Police, who organised the event, said: “The iftar dinner really was a multicultural event with a broad spectrum of people and ages from across the County. It gave me immense pleasure to see people engaging with one another and getting to know about the great things that make us different and unique and how we, as Police and Fire services, truly value the commitment and support from our communities.”