A MUSLIM community in Halesowen is inviting residents to join them for a meal as they take part in the breaking of the fast this Friday evening.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim community are currently fasting from dawn to dusk during Islam’s holiest month – Ramadan.

But on Friday (June 8) at the Baitul Ghafoor Mosque, in Long Lane, they are inviting friends and neighbours to break the fast with them during a meal – known as Iftar – which is part of the tradition of the religion.

The event is part of the Big Iftar, a national initiative promoting neighbourliness and the strengthening of community relations, and is being organised by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK, which has been established in Britain for more than a century.

Dr Masood Majoka, president of the Halesowen chapter, said: “We are inviting our friends and neighbours in the spirit of brotherhood. Fostering a cohesive society is at the core of Islamic belief, and reaching out to others in the spirit of fraternity is what the Big Iftar aims to achieve.

“Our worldwide leader, His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, has stressed that Ramadan serves as a timely reminder that the true calling of Islam is to live at peace with God, with oneself and with one another.”

The program starts at 7.45pm and includes a tour of the mosque, a talk, a Q and A, observing the evening prayer and concludes with dinner at 9.40pm.

To register interest in attending the event, email baitulghafoor@gmail.com or call outreach coordinator Wasim Shah on 07828 308602.