Muslims share Ramadan meal with police, faith leaders and Councillors in show of 'peace, harmony and trust'

A Muslim community group in east London invited local police officers and councillors to a special Ramadan meal to encourage “peace, harmony and trust” between all faiths and cultures.

The Riverside Muslim Association in Barking arranged for local community leaders of all backgrounds to join them for an Iftar – the meal during which Muslims break their fast in the holy month of Ramadan.

On Saturday the community group invited representatives from the Met Police force, the Mayor and other local faith leaders to join 200 others for the sacred meal.

Founder and director of Riverside Muslim Association, Khushnood Ahmed, said: “Let us pledge to spread love, peace, harmony and mutual trust among us all during this holy month.

“May the spirit of Ramadan instil in each one of us a sense of unity and love for all.”

The special event, held on June 17, was in the wake of a series of terror attacks in London and Manchester – the most recent targeting Muslims as they left a mosque in Finsbury Park.

A statement from the group said it “represented the beauty of British culture and its traditional values – namely tolerance, compassion and sharing.

“Hopefully these inspiring events will become the voice of Islam in Great Britain.”