Ramadan gathering fosters community unity

Jersey’s Muslim Community Unites for Ramadan Amid Growing Participation

The Muslim community in Jersey has come together in increasing numbers to observe Ramadan, with volunteers playing a vital role in making communal Iftar gatherings possible.

The Jersey Islamic Centre has seen a rise in attendance at its daily fast-breaking meals, with organisers noting the significance of these gatherings in fostering a sense of belonging among islanders. Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, is a time of fasting, prayer, and self-reflection for Muslims worldwide.

Manik Ahmed Memon, the Iftar coordinator at the Jersey Islamic Centre, highlighted the effort put in behind the scenes to ensure a welcoming environment for all.

"A lot of work goes on in the background," he said. "It's great to see people from different backgrounds coming together. Our volunteers handle much of the heavy lifting, while families contribute by cooking meals served at the centre."

Each evening, between 50 and 75 people gather at the centre to break their fast, sharing food and a sense of community.

For newcomers like Amna Salim and Mohammed Attari, who are observing Ramadan in Jersey for the first time, the experience has been heartening.

"I didn't expect such a strong sense of community here," said Ms. Salim. "Jersey is very different from Pakistan, where I'm from, but being around people who celebrate my religion and culture makes the transition much easier."

Mr. Attari echoed her sentiment: "For a small community like ours, having a space to connect and celebrate together is really important."

Dr. Sarfaraz Jamali, head of Jersey's Muslim Community, noted that participation has grown significantly over the years.

"We started with only a handful of people, maybe four or five," he said. "Now, we sometimes have more than 75 gathered in one evening. It makes us think about how we can accommodate even more people as our community grows."

As Ramadan continues, the Jersey Islamic Centre remains a focal point for togetherness, highlighting the power of community and shared faith on the island.