The Dawoodi Bohras of Manchester hosted an iftar event at the community’s Noor Masjid on March 13, 2025, creating a space for meaningful dialogue across the city’s diverse communities.
The event was attended by a number of guests including Manchester Lord Mayor Paul Andrews, diplomats from Iraq, Turkey and Pakistan and leaders from Christian, Muslim and Jain communities. Representatives from community organizations including Levenshulme Good Neighbours and Streets for People were also among the attendees.
The event began with a moving recitation from the holy Quran followed by a speech by Mustafa Abdulhusain, a local community organiser. He spoke about the community’s history and traditions and particularly the Manchester community who have been actively contributing for the betterment of the city. Guests sat together for a traditional Dawoodi Bohra meal preceded by washing hands in a chilamchi (steel vessel) and sitting together in groups of eight.
Jawad Aljabori, Consul General of Iraq in Manchester, reflecting on the gathering’s significance, said, “As we embrace the spirit of Ramadan, we wish you and your community peace, prosperity, and an abundance of blessings. May this holy month strengthen our bonds of goodwill, unity, and friendship.” The Turkish Deputy Consul General, Metin Guler, added, “Face to face contact with members of the community, whose historical background and intellectual capacity I already knew, was instructive for me.”
Mustafa Abdulhusain said, “The iftar event was truly special as we had a diverse range of guests from Levenshulme and Manchester. It was lovely to build friendships and show that united with love we are able to do more.”
Attendees departed carrying informational booklets about the community and with the promise to keep in touch—tangible signs that shared meals can indeed become catalysts for an enduring bond.