In recent weeks, the UK has experienced a disturbing rise in tension and violence. Fueled by misinformation spread on social media, crowds expressing anti-immigrant and Islamophobic sentiments have clashed with police, leaving communities across the nation on edge. However, amid these troubling events, the Dawoodi Bohras of Manchester have joined people of other faiths to demonstrate that unity, compassion, and resilience can prevail over hate.
The Dawoodi Bohra community of Manchester participated in a significant interfaith event at Madina Mosque in Levenshulme. The gathering was not just a response to the recent wave of unrest but a powerful display of solidarity and a shared commitment to combating racism and violence.
Jamil Abdulkader, a representative of the Manchester Dawoodi Bohras, emphasized the importance of such events in fostering unity and understanding. “In these challenging times, it is more important than ever to stand together as one community. The interfaith event at Madina Mosque allowed us to demonstrate our collective commitment to peace and to reject the divisive forces that seek to tear us apart,” Abdulkader said.
The event brought together a diverse group of community leaders and members, all united in their determination to foster peace and understanding. In addition to the Dawoodi Bohras, attendees included Imam Hafeez Saleem of Madina Mosque, Reverend George Reeves, the Rector of St Peter and St Mark’s parish in Levenshulme, Reverend Dr Caroline Wickens of Manchester Methodists, representatives from the Raheel Cheadle Masjid Association, and several prominent political figures, including Councillors Murtaza Iqbal, Basat Sheikh, Zahid Hussain, and Andrew Gwynne, MP for Gorton and Denton.
Standing shoulder to shoulder, the political and faith leaders, together with community members, sent a powerful message: hatred and division have no place in Manchester. The event was a poignant reminder that, in times of adversity, it is possible to find strength in unity and that, by coming together, communities can overcome even the darkest of challenges.
For the Dawoodi Bohras, participation in such interfaith initiatives is deeply rooted in their values of peace, tolerance, and love for humanity. By engaging in dialogue and fostering relationships across different faiths and cultures, the Dawoodi Bohras strive to play a crucial role in building a more inclusive and harmonious society.
“The Dawoodi Bohras believe in the power of community and dialogue,” Jamil Abdulkader added. “By participating in interfaith events, we not only strengthen our bonds with other faith groups but also send a clear message that love and understanding will always triumph over hate and violence.”