SHAFAQNA – More than 250 packed meals have been distributed to homeless people in Swansea by Muslims celebrating Ramadan.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic Lunar calendar and when observant adult Muslims give up food and drink and smoking during the hours of daylight.
It is also said to be a time for Muslims to purify their souls, refocus attention on religion and practice self-restraint.
“Ramadan is a time that breaks down barriers and promotes community cohesion as Muslims across the UK invite non–Muslims and wider communities to their mosques for the breaking of fast and celebration of Eid,” said Dr Farooq A Shah, international student adviser at Swansea University.
“Swansea University Mosque has always been proactive in reaching out to our wider communities.”
He said the event for the homeless was in the spirit of The Great Get Together, a series of events across the country to mark the anniversary of the death of Jo Cox (MP for Batley and Spen), who was shot and stabbed by a man associated with far-right organisations.
It was held on Sunday in St. David’s surface car Park and the food was donated via Ramadan collections at Swansea University Mosque.
The aim was to provide a freshly cooked meal for approximately 150 people.
“The event went really well as we managed to distribute over 250 packed meals,” said Dr Shah.
“Around 100 packed meals were sent to different shelter homes/homeless hostels while the rest were distributed either at the stall or by volunteers who went around the city centre, along with the train/bus station. Activity was highly appreciated by homeless people, local and wider community members who attended the event.”