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An event called Open Iftar is set to take place in the UK during the holy month of Ramadan, which runs from March 22 to April 21. Ramadan is an important time of fasting and reflection for Muslims, and Open Iftar is the UK’s largest community event during this period. The event provides a safe space for Muslims observing Ramadan to gather and break their fast together, as well as engage in mutual dialogue.
The event will be held at Stamford Bridge, the home stadium of Chelsea Football Club, and will involve a number of local mosques and members of Chelsea’s Muslim community, including supporters and school students. Chelsea FC staff will also be in attendance. Open Iftar will be run in collaboration with the Ramadan Tent Project, a charity established in 2013 with the aim of bringing communities together and developing understanding of Ramadan. This year marks the 10-year anniversary of the Ramadan Tent Project, which organizes the annual Ramadan Festival, a celebration of art, culture, and creativity inspired by Ramadan.
Omar Salha, the founder and CEO of the Ramadan Tent Project, expressed his excitement about bringing Open Iftar to Stamford Bridge and working with Chelsea FC on the occasion of the charity’s 10-year anniversary and its 2023 theme of “Belonging.” He noted that football and Ramadan have the power to bring people together and expressed his enthusiasm about sharing this important celebration with football supporters from all backgrounds.
The event is also a part of Chelsea FC’s No To Hate campaign, a club-wide equality, diversity, and inclusion program that targets hate and discrimination and aims to educate all stakeholders inside and outside of Chelsea FC and football. The campaign’s focus on promoting religious tolerance includes recognizing other religious festivals throughout the calendar year.
Open Iftar is an important event that brings together the Muslim community during the holy month of Ramadan. Its collaboration with the Ramadan Tent Project and Chelsea FC highlights the importance of inclusivity and promoting understanding and tolerance between different communities. Additionally, its recognition as part of the No To Hate campaign reflects the commitment of Chelsea FC and the wider football community to promoting diversity and inclusion.
Simon Taylor, head of Chelsea Foundation, said: ‘I’m delighted to announce our Open Iftar alongside the Ramadan Tent Project and we are extremely proud to be the first Premier League club to be doing so. Recognising Ramadan and our Muslim community is a crucial aspect of our work in promoting religious tolerance and I look forward to welcoming everyone on Sunday 26 March.’
