An informative and enjoyable evening with our friends at the Winchester Muslim Cultural Association (WMCA), particiapting in their breaking of the fast during Ramadan, known as Iftar.
On Sunday, 8th March 2026, 5 of our members and two spouses, along with numerous other guests including the Mayor of Winchester (Sudhakar Achwal) and the leader of Winchester City Council (Martin Tod), were invited to join the WMCA for their Iftar dinner, at their centre in Hyde Street. I believe that this is the third year we have participated now.
For those who don’t know, the Iftar meal is where Muslims eat to break the fast during the month of Ramadan, taking place immediately after sunset:
- Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar, which is a 12 month lunar calendar, resulting in a year of 354 or 355 days, meaning it gradually moves through the seasons, currently starting in February, but moving earlier by about 11 days per year.
- It is a month of fasting, communal prayer, reflection, study of the Quran, charity and strengthening community ties. It is also the month in which the Quran is believed to have been revealed to the prophet Muhammad.
- The fast lasts from sunrise until sunset, meaning that on this particular day it had lasted approximately 11.5 hours.
The evening consisted of the initial breaking of the fast with dates and other fruits, plus a drink of water, followed by prayers and finally the dinner.
I have to admit that I was amazed by the lovely tone of voice used by those leading the prayer. I found it very lyrical.
The evening was both very informative and enjoyable, with a wonderful atmosphere of friendship, which also built upon our participation in a separate Iftar event at Winchester Cathedral Pavilion earlier in the week.
A big thank you to the WMCA for inviting us along again.
As-salamu alaykum
