West Thames College welcomed faith and community leaders to its annual Interfaith Iftar on the evening of 6 March, bringing together around 50 guests from different religious and community backgrounds to celebrate unity, understanding and shared values during the holy month of Ramadan.
The event, held at the college’s Isleworth campus, was hosted by Marta Gajewska, CEO and Principal of West Thames College; Charanjit Ajitsingh, Chair of Hounslow Friends of Faith and College Governor; and Shamama Lateef, Director and Trustee of Al Mustafa Welfare Trust.
Imam Amar from Hounslow Jamia Mosque opened the evening with a recitation from the Qur’an and later delivered the call to prayer to mark the end of the day’s fast. Guests then gathered to break the fast together at sunset during iftar, sharing a meal and conversation in a spirit of community.
Zubair Awan, who delivered the opening remarks and introduced the evening’s speakers, highlighted the importance of bringing communities together through interfaith dialogue.
“Interfaith is about bringing people together and reflecting on our shared values while respecting our differences,” he said. “In a diverse community like Hounslow, events like this allow people of different faiths and backgrounds to come together, celebrate diversity and build understanding between communities.”
Among the guests was Councillor Amy Croft, Mayor of the London Borough of Hounslow, who spoke about the importance of Ramadan’s values and the strength found in the borough’s diversity.
“Ramadan is a time of reflection, compassion and spiritual growth, encouraging patience, humility and generosity. These are values I see reflected every day in communities across Hounslow,” she said. “Our borough’s diversity is one of its greatest strengths, and it is wonderful to see people coming together to celebrate each other’s traditions and build friendship and understanding.”
Marta Gajewska said the college was proud to host an event that reflects the diversity of its students and staff.
“Ramadan reminds us of the importance of gratitude, humility and community. Sharing the moment of breaking the fast brings people together in reflection and compassion,” she said. “At West Thames College, our students and staff reflect the diversity of Hounslow, and events like this create opportunities for people of different backgrounds and faiths to connect and learn from one another.”
Charanjit Ajitsingh spoke about the role of interfaith engagement in strengthening communities.
“Ramadan is a time of blessings, reflection and charity, encouraging people to seek forgiveness, support others and pray for peace and love across the world,” he said. “Interfaith work is about building good relations between people of different religions and creating harmony within our diverse communities.”
Ruth Cadbury MP, Member of Parliament for Brentford and Isleworth, also shared a message recognising the significance of such gatherings.
“It is always an honour to represent the diverse communities of Hounslow and to share in important faith events such as Iftar during the holy month of Ramadan,” she said. “These occasions help us learn from one another and recognise the universal values of compassion and understanding that unite communities.”
Students also shared their experiences of observing Ramadan while studying. Tameem, a Student Ambassador at West Thames College, spoke about balancing faith and education.
“Fasting during Ramadan while studying at college can be challenging, but it is also a meaningful experience that teaches discipline and reflection,” he said. “With support from teachers and by managing my time carefully, I’m able to balance my studies while observing Ramadan.”
Ahmed Nawaz, Fundraising Manager at Al Mustafa Welfare Trust, spoke about the charitable spirit associated with Ramadan and the importance of supporting those in need.
“Ramadan is not only about fasting from food and drink, but about developing empathy for those facing hardship and poverty,” he said. “Through compassion, charity and partnership between communities, faith groups and educators, we can support vulnerable people and create stronger, more caring communities.”
The evening concluded with guests sharing food, conversation and reflections, reinforcing the importance of dialogue, understanding and cooperation across faiths in the diverse community of Hounslow.
