Scunthorpe Mosque Hosts Inspiring Big Iftar Bringing Community Together

Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire – The Centre for Reconciliation (TCfR) was honoured to attend the annual Big Iftar hosted by the Scunthorpe Ahmadiyya Muslim Community at Baitus Salaam Mosque on 1st March 2026.

The evening brought together a rich and diverse cross-section of society, including faith leaders, representatives from healthcare and education, local residents, community organisations, and the Member of Parliament for Scunthorpe, Nicholas Dakin. It was a truly intergenerational gathering, with children, young people, adults and elders sharing in the spirit of Ramadan and demonstrating the strength of unity across the community.

Also present were TCfR Chair Steve Holt, Atma Selby, and Lincolnshire Faith Council member Natasha Standley, reaffirming the Centre and Council’s continued commitment to promoting reconciliation, understanding and community cohesion throughout Greater Lincolnshire.

The programme began with a moving recitation from the Holy Qur’an, followed by an English translation, ensuring guests from all backgrounds could appreciate the spiritual message. Imam Hassan Muhammad Selby then led an engaging and accessible session on the philosophy and purpose of fasting in Islam. He responded thoughtfully to questions from attendees, including a sincere question from a young child asking why many Muslim men wear a cap. Imam Hassan explained that it is worn as a mark of respect during prayer and commended the child’s confidence — a moment that reflected the openness and welcoming nature of the evening.

Following the Maghrib prayer, guests gathered to share the Iftar meal together.

Speaking on behalf of The Centre for Reconciliation and the Lincolnshire Faith Council, Subash Chellaiah expressed sincere gratitude to the Scunthorpe Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Imam, Mosque Committee and volunteers for their generous hospitality and for consistently opening their doors to the wider public. He noted that TCfR has attended the Big Iftar for several years and has witnessed it grow annually — not only in numbers, but in friendship, understanding and goodwill.

During his remarks, Subash also read a message from Sanjay Nimavat, Chair of the Lincolnshire Faith Council, who was unable to attend. In his message, Sanjay conveyed his prayers and best wishes to everyone observing Ramadan. He reflected that fasting and self-restraint are essential in strengthening spiritual discipline and deepening one’s connection to self and community. By controlling hunger, thirst and other desires, individuals can develop greater self-awareness and compassion — qualities that ultimately benefit society as a whole.

He further highlighted how sharing Iftar is one of the most powerful ways to integrate neighbours and communities into different cultures and traditions. The aroma, colour, tastes and textures of the meal symbolise the richness and diversity of history and custom. Just as different ingredients combine with purpose to create something special, communities too can achieve greatness when united in shared values and mutual respect.

MP Nicholas Dakin addressed the gathering, highlighting British values of inclusion, respect and contribution. He praised the positive role of Muslim communities locally and nationally and commended events such as the Big Iftar for strengthening community cohesion.

The Centre for Reconciliation extends its warmest wishes to all observing the holy month. 

Ramadan Mubarak.