Story & photo: Rohan Francis
On 3rd August, Dr Abdelaziz, Manager of the Fatima Community Centre at 105 Brunswick Road, welcomed local residents to a special Iftar or fast-breaking meal and tour around their recently renovated building.
The Messenger joined a group of visitors, including members of a Christian church, young people from neighbouring homes and veterans of the old Irish Centre, who remembered using this very building for weddings and parties in their youth.
Dr Abdelaziz gave an entertaining introduction with information about the holy month of Ramadan. He explained the importance of fasting, both as an act of personal discipline and a way of gaining insight into the plight of the starving or hungry. Sharing food with the wider community, as at this iftar, is also a way of showing collective generosity – a key belief of the Muslim faith.
Our host told us about the plans for the building's development, including further improvements to the prayer halls and facilities for funeral services, midnight prayers and religious celebrations. The centre also plans to provide language skills, a toddler group, accommodation for Islamic scholars and support for new Muslims.
We were then invited to join in the fastbreaking meal – a specially prepared feast of many wonderful and varied dishes, including dates, warm breads, pakoras, curries, sweets, cakes and fruit. The night finished with a tour of the building and a chance to observe the congregation in prayer.
For more information contact: 07707 045 973 or fatimacentre1433ah@gmail.com