Glasgow City Hall hosts its first Open Iftar during Ramadan

A symbolic moment for the city

Glasgow is preparing to experience a unique moment this spring by organizing, for the first time, an Open Iftar at the Glasgow City Chambersthe town hall. The event will take place on Saturday March 7 and will bring together more than 250 people around iftar, the shared meal after sunset during the month of Ramadan, which is expected to begin around February 18. This initiative marks official recognition of Ramadan by the municipality. Glasgow is home to Scotland’s largest Muslim population and, for many residents, Ramadan represents an essential time of religious and social life. During this month, Muslims observe fasting from sunrise to sunset, but Ramadan is also a time of prayer, generosity and solidarity with those most in need.

By opening the doors of the town hall for an Open Iftar, the city wishes to send a clear message of inclusion. This building, usually reserved for political meetings and institutional events, becomes for an evening a place of meeting and sharing. For the municipality, this is about reflecting the cultural and religious diversity which is an integral part of Glasgow’s identity. Local officials believe that this type of event helps strengthen ties between communities. It also offers the opportunity to make Ramadan better known to people who are not familiar with this tradition.

An event open to all

The Open Iftar is organized by the Ramadan Tent Projecta charitable organization that has been working since 2014 to make Ramadan more accessible to the general public. Since its inception, the project has held Open Iftars in over 30 cities across the UK, in public, cultural and institutional venues. The principle is simple: invite people of all origins, all faiths, or no religion, to share an iftar meal together. The objective is to create a friendly moment promoting dialogue, understanding and mutual respect.

The Lord Provost of Glasgow, Jacqueline McLarenwho occupies a role comparable to that of mayor, welcomed this initiative. She recalled that Glasgow is a city built by communities from different backgrounds and that recognizing major religious celebrations is part of the city’s identity. She said this Open Iftar clearly shows the importance of Ramadan and Islam to many Glaswegians. For his part, Omar Salhafounder and director of the Ramadan Tent Project, highlighted the human dimension of the event. He explains that Ramadan encourages everyone to turn towards others with kindness. The theme highlighted this year is that of hope, a central value of Ramadan which brings people together and strengthens social bonds.

Beyond the meal, the Open Iftar is also a moment of exchange and discovery. Participants will be able to discuss, ask questions and better understand the meaning of fasting and Ramadan. For many, these meetings allow them to overcome preconceived ideas and create simple connections in a warm setting.

The Glasgow event is part of a wider UK-wide celebration, with many Open Iftars being held in different cities. Tickets will be free and available via the Ramadan Tent Project website on a first-come, first-served basis. A unique opportunity to share a meal, encourage dialogue and celebrate together the diversity that makes Glasgow so rich.