More than 40 colleagues based at Trust HQ gathered at Sceptre Point this week to share in a special Iftar celebration. Iftar is the evening meal served at sunset to break the daily fast during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. The gathering brought together Muslim and non‑Muslim colleagues for an evening of learning, reflection and community.
The event opened with welcoming words from Saki Iqbal, Associate Director of PMO, who spoke about the origins of Ramadan, his personal experiences of fasting at home and in previous workplaces, and how this gathering started as a simple idea that grew into a meaningful event thanks to the enthusiasm and passion of the team. He reflected on how uplifting it was to see colleagues from all faith backgrounds coming together.
Muhsin Ali, Finance Apprentice, shared a Quran recitation with English translations displayed on a screen. For many colleagues this was the first time they had ever heard readings from the Quran and the impact of this was evident in the quietness and attentiveness of the room.
Before the fast was broken Habiba Bhayat, Personal Assistant, Nursing and Quality, shared her own reflections on what Ramadan means to her and her family, offering a personal insight into what a typical day looks like during the holy month.
Many non‑Muslim colleagues chose to fast for the day and spoke about their experiences and learnings from observing Ramadan for a day. Several colleagues shared their renewed appreciation for the sacrifice and dedication it takes to observe Ramadan for a month and most agreed sharing the event had offered a real sense of community and broadened their knowledge of the reasons why Ramadan is such a sacred time.
At 5.43pm, colleagues broke their fast with a traditional date and water, while Imran Chati, Head of Medical HR, shared the call to prayer.
The evening’s food, which was all lovingly prepared and organised by Muslim colleagues, included a traditional sunnah table, featuring foods rooted in the teachings of Prophet Muhammad and the Quran. Alongside this were generous servings of chicken biryani, sweet rice, samosas, pasta, onion bhajis, homemade patties and deserts including Luqaimat.
Reflecting on the success of the evening, Habiba, who led the planning team shared:
“It was a very special event with staff across different faiths and backgrounds giving up their evening and getting together to experience and share Iftar. The evening had a real feeling of respect and kindness.
Personally, for me it felt like I was not at a workplace event but a family event as everyone looked so comfortable, happy and just connected. There was so much warmth and laughter in the room, a very special thank you to everyone who attended.”
The event was a powerful example of our Trust values in action - bringing colleagues together, celebrating diversity and creating space to learn from one another.
