AN interfaith and community Iftar was held at Stanford-le-Hope Mosque on Friday, 6 March, bringing together police officers, faith and community leaders, local residents and businesspeople.

Dr Siraj Ali, Chairman of Thurrock Muslim Centre and the mosque, along with members of the Mosque committee, welcomed the guests and he said: "We are pleased to see our friends from diverse faiths and communities in our centre. We hope this Iftar will foster community cohesion and mutual understanding."  

Cllr Qaisar Abbas said: "This Interfaith and community Iftar is a wonderful example of how conversation, hospitality and shared experiences can build more understanding across faiths. 

Sidra Naeem, Deputy Lord Lieutenant for Essex, and Cllr Qaisar Abbas pictured at the centre of the 'top table'.

"I also take this opportunity to wish our Hindu community a happy Diwali and our Christian friends a blessed Lent season."

Iftar is the evening meal Muslims eat to break their fast at sunset during Ramadan. 

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and begins and ends with the sighting of the new moon. 

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Throughout the month, Muslims who are able fast daily from pre-dawn until sunset.