Home Correspondent
Davison Church of England High School for Girls will host its third annual Big Iftar on Wednesday, March 4, bringing together students, families and local faith leaders.
The initiative was introduced by Rujina Monnan, an Education Support Mentor at the school and a former pupil. She said she was motivated by her own experience of fasting while at school.
“There weren’t many who understood what fasting meant or how it felt,” she said. “In a community where our Muslim students are a minority, and within a Church of England school, I wanted to create something that would foster inclusion and a sense of belonging for our young adults, so that they feel this school is truly their space.”
The first event was held two years ago and welcomed more than 100 attendees, including students, parents, staff and members of the wider community. Representatives from Worthing Masjid lead the call to prayer and facilitate prayers in designated spaces before the evening meal is shared.
Reflecting on last year’s gathering, Imam Idris Nawaab of Worthing Masjid said: “In my 25 years as an Imam, I’ve visited many schools. Some tolerate diversity; this school celebrates it.”
Headteacher Chris Keating said the event had become part of the school calendar. “The Big Iftar is one of the highlights of our school calendar each year. It’s a true reflection of what our school stands for — respect, understanding, and unity.”
Speaking ahead of this year’s event, Monnan said the evening was about more than sharing food.
“For me, the Big Iftar is about more than food. As Muslims, we see Ramadan as a gift from Allah, a chance to purify our hearts and strengthen our bonds with others — a sacred month of taqwa, patience and compassion. It means a great deal to me that our students can share that spiritual atmosphere with their friends and teachers. I want our students to feel they can honour that journey fully and to feel they belong, even and especially, where they are in the minority.”
Photo: Previous Big Iftar event at Davison Church of England High School for Girls. (Images courtesy of Davison Church of England High School for Girls)
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