Last night I had the enormous pleasure of hosting an Iftar - the breaking of the daylight fast during the holy month of Ramadan - for over 150 Muslim and non-Muslim guests from US society and government, and fellow Ambassadors from across the world. We were especially lucky to be joined by the UK's most senior Muslim Minister, Sadiq Khan, and a delegation of British Muslims who had travelled out to the States for discussions with American Muslims and colleagues.
Hosting the Iftar was a double first - both for me personally and for the Residence here in Washington DC. It required a few special preparations, including the setting aside of a room for prayer and, with judicious use of a compass, establishing in which direction Mecca lay.
At 7.24pm - as the sun slipped below the Washington horizon - Imam Hendi, from Georgetown University, began the call to prayer for those practising Muslims in attendance. As is traditional, guests were offered dates. And, after prayers and brief welcomes, the Imam blessed the food - a delicious selection of halal meats, flat breads and fruit kebabs. For those observing the daily fast, it was time to share food and conversation with friends and colleagues.
Sadiq Khan addressed our guests on behalf of the UK, commenting on the warmth of feeling that exists between British and American Muslims. His observations on the common bond and character that Americans and Britons share, irrespective of religion, rang very true for me.
Events like this are important. British culture and society are hugely enriched by the contribution that over two million British Muslims make to life in the UK. And it is right that the British Embassy plays its part in helping to showcase that. We're also working to foster more connections between Muslim communities in the UK and the US, strengthening the important people-to-people links between our countries that give life to the special relationship.
As I said to our guests in my welcoming remarks, they were all from different backgrounds and cultures - but we came together that night sharing a common belief - in peace, diversity and tolerance.
Ramadan Mubarak!
Posted at 16:43 11 September 2009 by Nigel Sheinwald | Comments[1]
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