Iftar is the fast-breaking evening meal of Muslims during Ramadan. Radio Platfform’s Outreach and Training Officer Bablu Shikdar wrote about his experience of attending our very first Iftar event, held earlier this month.   

An iconic moment to remember. Growing up Muslim wasn't exactly the easiest for me, especially during Ramadan. During my working years, I have often found that employers wouldn't take the month seriously (not that I was expecting them to) and would find myself having to pray during my breaks in a random storeroom somewhere.

Iftar at Wales Millennium Centre meant so much to me and so many Muslims in Cardiff. To be at my own workplace and have a space to practice our faith, spend the evening with our friends and family, and platform and showcase the Muslim leaders and creatives in the industry was amazing to see.

It was beautiful, from the light show, the kids’ area, the floor seating, the redecoration of the Glanfa, the food, and the little boards and decorations to express what Ramadan means to people. The prayer space in the Weston and the beautiful recitation of the Adhan (call to prayer).

The whole event just made me feel so proud to be a part of it. The fact that Wales Millennium Centre allowed us to see people from the local community, Muslims and non-Muslims, come to celebrate and learn about the religion has made me feel so grateful and quite emotional to have this space to share with people close to us.