News

First Iftar meal hailed a great success

More than 400 members of the Muslim community attended event at the Amex.

By Bruce Talbot • 29 March 2023

By James Boardman
An iftar is a meal eaten at sunset to break the fast during Ramadan.

More than 400 members of the local Muslim community were at the Amex earlier this week to attend the club’s first iftar meal.

Albion became the first football club outside London to hold such an event, with attendees including players from the club’s academy and regional talent centres as well as their parents.

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Club hosts first Iftar meal at the Amex

Open Iftar events are the flagship initiative of Ramadan Tent Project, an award-winning charity that brings communities together and spreads the spirit of Ramadan through various initiatives. They take place during Ramadan, which is the holiest month of the Muslim calendar.

By James Boardman
More than 400 members of the Muslim community attended the iftar at the Amex.

Since 2013, Open Iftar has connected over 500,000 people across the country at some of Britain’s most iconic cultural spaces, from the Royal Albert Hall to Wembley Stadium as well as at regional events around the UK.

Iman Uthman Jeewa from Brighton’s Al Madinah Mosque led the Adhan (call to Prayer) pitch-side at the stadium before a meal to break the fast, known as an iftar.

By James Boardman
Iman Uthman Jeewa from Brighton’s Al Madinah Mosque led the Adhan (call to prayer).

Sarah Gould, the club’s supporter services manager, said, “It was a wonderful evening which brought people together from different communities to celebrate Ramadan. The moment when the Iman led the call to prayer at the side of the pitch was a very special moment for everyone who attended.

By James Boardman
The first Iftar meal hosted by the club was a big success.

"We're proud to have been the first football club outside London to host an Iftar and we hope it will be first of many at the Amex."