Police host welcoming annual meal event in Lanarkshire as Ramadan gets underway

dailyrecord.co.uk:

An Iftar was hosted at Hamilton Islamic Centre on Friday night by the Scottish Police Muslim Association (SPMA).Christina McKelvie MSP was among those who attended the event, a special meal eaten by Muslims during Ramadan, which aims to enhance Police Scotland’s engagement with people in the community in line with the force’s annual policing plan for 2022/23.Other guests present at the annual event in Lanarkshire included Assistant Chief Constable David Duncan, Chief Inspector Graeme McLaughlin – who is Area Commander for Hamilton and Larkhall – and local community police officers who cover Hamilton.The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now.

Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you.Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android During the event, the Imam at Hamilton Islamic Centre explained the significance of the ninth month in the Islamic lunar calendar; Ramadhan, which began on Thursday, March 23.

Muslims around the globe fast between sunrise and sunset throughout this time, a period of 29 or 30 days.During Ramadan mosques are filled with worshippers attending the five daily prayers based on the movement of the sun.

Muslims gather in the mosque at night-time to perform a special congregational prayer, called Taraweeh. This is not obligatory but highly recommended.Most Muslims will come to the mosque to open their fast just after sunset, and this mealtime is known as the Iftar.