Welcoming Ramadan with the V&A and Ramadan Tent Project

Trustees were delighted to be part of the Welcome Ramadan Conference this year, marking the 10 year anniversary of the Ramadan Tent Project and officially launching the inaugural Ramadan Pavilion at the prestigious V & A Museum in Kensington, London.

The Welcome Ramadan Conference hosted COSARAF staff and trustees on Sunday 5 March at the Victoria and Albert Museum, Kensington. The day consisted of a number of pertinent panel discussions on spirituality, Islamic-giving, culture and belonging, alongside some key note speeches from our partners and stakeholders.

The event launched with a beautiful Koran recitation by a young Islamic scholar and student who also performed the Adhan that afternoon from the colourful setting of the Ramadan Pavilion.

Our Chairman, Haroon, gave a warm key note speech highlighting the Foundation’s support of the Ramadan Pavilion, a unique and thought-provoking installation celebrating the rich history of the Islamic place of worship in Britain.

The Foundation’s support of this project has been on the cards for a few years and we are glad to have been able to see the vision of the architect Shahed Saleem and the team at the Ramadan Tent Pavilion come to life.

At the ribbon cutting, our Chairman was joined by other key partners, including Tristram Hunt, Director of the V&A, Shahed Saleem, the architect and Sarah Joseph OBE, on the momentous occasion.

This was then followed by the first ever prayers on site within the structure of the Ramadan Pavilion, a truly inspiring and heart-warming experience, led by Sheikh Babikir.

Following this, Haroon was invited to participate in the panel discussion on Faith and Belonging: Bringing Communities Together. Haroon drew on his own personal experiences of journey and belonging having moved many miles in his childhood, with connections for him and his family, both here in the UK, Kenya and Pakistan.

The COSARAF Foundation have always believed that interfaith relations are vital in developing sustainable communities, and by supporting the Pavilion, we hope that we can ignite positive discussions to educate and encourage others to learn more about the faith, the peace we believe in and live together with acceptance and understanding.

We look forward to all the events coming ahead and are excited for our very own open Iftar event taking place later this month at the V&A as part of the Ramadan Festival.

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