Last week, Outwood Grange Academy hosted a community iftar dinner for more than 170 members of the school community to celebrate and acknowledge students and their families who were fasting during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. 

Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, which constitutes the basis of how Muslims live their lives. The other pillars are faith, prayer, charity and pilgrimage. Fasting is an important practice as it allows Muslims to devote themselves to their faith. During Ramadan, Muslims do not eat or drink between dawn and sunset; instead, they eat a meal just before dawn, the suhoor, and break their fast with a meal after sunset, known as the iftar.

The event, organised by Julekha Motara, Assistant Principal at the school, and facilitated by staff and students, included talks from Qari Asim MBE and Mohammed Banji from the Read Foundation, a charity for which the event raised almost £600. A student then recited the call to prayer, followed by prayers led by Post-16 students. Dinner was then served to guests by the school’s senior leadership team.

Toby Rutter, Principal at Outwood Grange Academy, said:

“These events are really important for us, because it's not just about achieving fantastic grades for our children, it's also about developing a sense of community, so they can develop their character and other qualities that mean they can play a pivotal role in society in their futures.” 

Julekha Motara added:

“It was more than just an event; it was a celebration of the diversity and inclusivity that make our school community so special. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended and contributed to making the evening so memorable. Their support, kindness and participation truly made it a night to remember.”