Young people aged between 11 to 16 years old who attend Faith Inspire’s STEPs programme were tasked to deliver this year’s community iftar event.

Subsequently, on Saturday 1st April 2023, more than 200 men, women and children packed out Krystal Banqueting Venue, High Road, Ilford, to enjoy a spiritual and family-focused focused iftar.

From the outset, the young people were planning this event for weeks during the STEP personal development programme and outside and were guided by their Youth lead Tahmid Ahmed, Abdulla Almamun, Juwairiyah Aftab and other Step Leaders.

On the day, the whole event was managed and delivered by these young people. The event hosts were Alim, Naima and Raihan and the opening Qur’an recitation was led by young Qari Ihsan Ahmed, followed by a few words of inspiration from Junaid Ahmed, the current Chair of Faith Inspire.

As it was within the spiritual month of Ramadan, there was the “Ask the Imam” Panel with Ustadh Abul Kalam and Q&A from panellists Shamla, Ibraheem and Shanzay. The aim was for the Ustadh Abul Kalam to dissect some passages of the Qur’an and explain the aims and objectives.

Furthermore, there was a very interactive table quiz using Kahoot led by quizmasters; Ihsan Ahmed, Siyana Hasan, and Dawud Islam.

The keynote speech just before iftar was delivered by Dr Muhammad Wajid Akhter; founder of Charity Week and FIMA Lifesavers, encapsulating the meaning of “hardship and ease” in the Qur’an using various examples and stories.

Finally, after the breaking of the fast was proclaimed by calling the adhan by Ihsan Ahmed, a very sumptuous iftar food was served by Krystal Banqueting.

“It was a brilliant event delivered by our children!” Said one of the many parents who attended.

“My family and I cannot express our forever gratitude and appreciation for all your compassion, dedication and hard efforts in educating our children in this programme.” Mentioned another.

The Faith Inspire management wishes to thank the following young people for their contributions and for making this year’s iftar event a success: Tahmid, Samia, Humaira, Taseen, Mahdiya, Rayyan, Abdul Ahad, Alim, Naima, Raihan, Ihsan, Siyana, Dawud, Shamla, Ibraheem, Shanzay, Arifa, Ismail, Mahdi, Hana, Umar, Isa, Samirah, Aariz, Jannah, Zaynab, Saaiym, Abdul Adheem, Safiyullah, Eisa, Kaif and all the STRIVE boys and girls that have assisted.

More details of the event can be found on Faith Inspire’s Instagram page https://www.instagram.com/reel/CqjWqP0oTq2/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Faith Inspire is a voluntary not-for-profit organisation that engages in community outreach, promotes spiritual growth, and actively contributes to society. Its vision is to create an exemplary Muslim community in Britain that contributes to a society where all people flourish. More information about the work of Faith Inspire can be found on their website www.faithinspire.org and social media @faithinspire.