Love Thy Neighbour – Ahmadi Muslims Distribute Food to Mark the Beginning of Ramadan

As the Muslim holy month of Ramadan approaches members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim
Community in Spen Valley cooked and distributed food and some gifts to their friends,
neighbours and colleagues in the Dewsbury, Batley, and Spen Valley area on Sunday 11th April.
More than 80 portions of rice with vegetables and chicken were cooked at home by the ladies
of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Women’s Association in Spen Valley. These were then delivered,
together with chocolates, by a team of volunteers who are based at the Baitul Atta Mosque in
Dewsbury.

The present head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community – His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad
has explained the essence of fasting as follows: –
“When fasting is based on righteousness it produces a beautiful society, creating a spirit of
sacrifice for each other. One is drawn to the needs of others and this is very important because
it was the blessed model of the Holy Prophet that during Ramadan his alms-giving and charity
would gain intense momentum like a gale storm.”

The Imam of the Baitul Atta Mosque, Mr Slahudin Mir, stated ““Islam means peace, it teaches
us to win the hearts and minds of the people. As we are approaching the Holy month of
Ramadan, we are taught to strive even more for self-reformation which is considered the
greatest Jihad (struggle). As the Bible says, “Love thy neighbour”, the Holy Qur’an also teaches
us to show kindness towards your neighbours and to fulfil the rights of God Almighty and His
Creation. We are delighted to present the true message of Islam and to share food with our
friends and neighbours.”

Mr Manzoor Ahmad, President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Spen Valley, said
that due to the Covid pandemic and refurbishments to the mosque no functions had been held
at the Baitul Atta mosque for well over one year. Prior to this hundreds of guests had visited
the mosque and he was looking forward to the mosque reopening fully so that new and existing
friends could visit the mosque and discuss how the Ahmadiyya Community in Spen Valley
could help and work together with the people of Dewsbury, Batley, and Spen Valley.

Mr Arif Ahmad, Outreach Coordinator of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Spen Valley,
stated that the food distribution had been a real team effort. “Our ladies have been cooking
since early Sunday morning and all costs were borne by individuals from our community. We
were delighted to receive so many heart-felt comments from our friends and neighbours – many
of whom we have not seen for months. We will continue to help people in whatever way we
can so that our mosque serves as a beacon of light for the entire community and a symbol of
unity, togetherness and peace.”

Despite the Coronavirus pandemic the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community will be holding a series
of virtual iftar (breaking of the fast) functions throughout Ramadan, starting on Wednesday
14th April. For more information, please visit www.bigvirtualiftar.co.uk/

Some comments from the friends and neighbours include: –
“Thank you for the very kind Ramadan gift, we will certainly enjoy eating it! – Reverend Helen
Butler, Mirfield

“Wishing you all the blessings of the holy month” – Paul Young, Batley

“Thank you for the kind gesture, wishing you a holy Ramadan” – Reverend Simon Cash,
Dewsbury

“Such a caring family. Always helping the community” – Carol Bridgman, Heckmondwike