Community leaders have been welcomed by ministers to a major
inter-faith iftar celebrating Muslim contributions to British
society at Lancaster House in London.
More than 180 people from across the UK heard speeches, viewed
exhibitions and ate together at a Ramadan event (4 March),
held by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local
Government, and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development
Office.
The joint reception celebrated the economic, social, cultural and
civic contributions of British Muslim communities. It reinforced
the government's commitment to meaningful engagement with faith
and diaspora communities, and diplomatic partners.
The event was hosted by the Communities Secretary , Faith and Communities Minister
, and Foreign Office
Ministers and Seema Malhotra, who
acknowledged it was a worrying time for communities due to the
situation in the Middle East.
Attendees included a range of community and faith leaders,
including those from various faith and belief communities, as
well as youth representatives, cultural figures,
parliamentarians, and ambassadors.
Speaking at the event, the Communities Secretary said:
Today, the United Kingdom is home to one of the most diverse
Muslim communities in the world and British Muslims continue to
play a huge role in shaping so much of
our shared national life.
Nights like tonight really matter. They give us a
moment to pause, to come together, and to think about the things
that shape our lives. The values of Ramadan speak to all of
us, no matter who we are or what we believe.
Minister for Faith, Devolution and Communities, said:
”Events like this matter because building cohesion happens
on the ground, in our communities, through the relationships we
build with faith leaders and organisations. That is exactly what
this event is about — coming together, listening, and reaffirming
that British Muslims are an integral and valued part of this
country.
Ramadan has become part of the fabric of life in Britain – and it
was a privilege to be at Lancaster House, to break fast, and
celebrate the vital contribution British Muslims up and down the
country make to our society.
Minister for the Middle East, said:
Ramadan is a time for reflection and reminds us of the shared
values that unite us all.
I know from speaking to people across the Middle East how
difficult this past week has been for so many, especially during
what is the holiest month for Muslims. Last night's Iftar
reception stands as an important symbol of hope and peace during
troubling times, and an opportunity to bring communities together
to celebrate British Muslims breaking fast.
Sajda Shah, awarded MBE in December 2025 for services to
community development, said:
Tonight, we were reminded that committed leadership, trust, and
strong relationships are our greatest assets.
That is the work ahead. And it is work we must put our weight
behind with a real sense of purpose, resolve and drive.
Exhibitions were arranged at the event to highlight Muslims'
historic contribution to Britain. This including British
war artist Arabella Dorman's ‘Great Faith', which captures the
portraits of 80 Muslim servicemen and women, from veterans of the
World Wars to those serving today – who stood for Britain.
Also included was the exhibition “Pioneers” by the Muslims in
Rail network which highlights the contributions of Muslim staff
in the reconstruction of Britain's railways in the decades
following the Second World War.
And the National Archives provided an original exhibit about Noor
Inayat Khan – a British spy who served in the Second World War
and who was the first female wireless operator to be sent to
France to help the resistance.
