A leader of the Muslim community in Jersey has praised the work of volunteers for helping people observe Ramadan in the island.

Organisers said they had seen seen rising numbers of islanders come together at the Jersey Islamic Centre to break fast during the holy month.

Ramadan is the most important time in the Islamic calendar where Muslims fast and refrain from eating or drinking between dawn and sunset.

Muslims also believe it is a time for self-reflection and renewing their faith to Allah.

Manik Ahmed Memon, the Iftar co-ordinator at Jersey Islamic Centre, said « a lot of work goes on in the background » to make sure people were able to break fast together.

« It’s great to see different people from different backgrounds coming together, » he said

« We have got great volunteers here who do the heavy lifting and families come together to cook the food which we serve at the centre. »

The centre is able to serve food to between 50 to 75 people coming to break fast every evening.

Amna Salim and Mohammed Attari were both observing Ramadan in Jersey for the first time.

Ms Salim said: « It’s been great.

« I didn’t know everyone would get together like this when I first came to the island.

« Jersey is very different to Pakistan, where I’m from originally, but it makes the move much easier being around people who celebrate your religion and your culture. »

Mr Attari said: « It’s really important for the community to have something like this because we’re a small community so it’s good to be connected. »

Dr Sarfaraz Jamali, the head of Jersey’s Muslim Community, said more than 75 people had gathered on one night for Iftar.

« We started with very few people maybe four or five, » he said.

« It gives a thought about how we’re going to deal with the increasing numbers of people coming here with the space we’ve got. »

By Chris Craddock – BBC News

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