Photo: Sir Keir Starmer MP, Prime Minister, Ed Davey MP, Leader, Liberal Democrat, John Swinney MSP, First Minister of Scotland,Stephen Flynn MP, SNP Westminster Leader and Sir Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London (Credit: Parliament Portrait Wiki-Commons)
I want to send my warmest wishes to Muslim communities across the UK and around the world during the holy month of Ramadan.
I recognise the commitment of British Muslims to spiritual devotion, charity and service – and during Ramadan we see those qualities shine all the more.
This special time of year sees mosques and community centres nationwide opening their doors. As communities come together, this occasion gives all of us the opportunity to reflect on the richness of our nation’s diversity and our role in serving those who need it most.
To everyone observing this occasion, may you have a peaceful and fruitful holy month.
As Muslims here in Britain and around the world welcome the blessed month of Ramadan, your friends at the Liberal Democrats send you our very best wishes.
Britain is fortunate to have a diverse and vibrant population, and in a world that feels at times divided, it is fitting now to reflect upon and appreciate the wonderful contributions that you continuously make to our society.
As the world watches on with hope for lasting peace in the Middle East, we are all reminded of the values of Ramadan – compassion and generosity in particular. This Ramadan, let us embrace this spirit of unity and hope, and work together to create a more peaceful and just world for all.
I hope that this Ramadan brings you and your loved ones peace, joy, and blessings.
Ramadan Mubarak
First Minister sends his best wishes to all Muslims as the holy month of Ramadan begins.
Here in Scotland, and across the world, Muslims are preparing for the start of Ramadan – the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. It is a time of fasting and prayer, and a time to perform acts of kindness for others.
Scotland is a stronger, more vibrant country thanks to our Muslim communities. I thank them for the numerous positive contributions that they have made and continue to make to our society.
I’d like to wish everyone who is celebrating, a very peaceful, reflective and rewarding Ramadan.
To Muslims in Scotland and around the world, I wish you all a very happy Ramadan.
The Muslim faith is an integral part of Scotland’s rich tapestry of peoples and cultures, and I’ve had the great pleasure to forge very close relationships with the Muslim community in my city of Aberdeen. That spirit of community, charity and friendship shines bright in Islam and its contribution to Scotland is most welcome.
However, we cannot ignore the fact that for many Muslims this year, Ramadan will be particularly difficult. The suffering in Gaza has far from ended and many of us have been utterly horrified by remarks made by Donald Trump. It is imperative that the UK Government joins that chorus of condemnation and acts decisively in support of the Palestinian people and their homeland.
Despite all of these challenges in these most difficult of years for so many Muslims, I have been struck by the openness and spirit of the faith, and I have been moved by the kindness and love shown by Muslims the world over.
In that same manner of kindness, let me wish all of you Ramadan Mubarak.
I would like to wish readers of The Muslim News, Londoners, and all those observing around the world, a very happy Ramadan.
Over the next month, we are blessed with the opportunity to reflect on all we have, show compassion and generosity to those less fortunate than ourselves, and strengthen our commitment to our faith. Muslims in London, and around the world, give generously to a wide range of causes, and especially so during this holy month. I know that this year, as we fast, our prayers will have a particular focus on ending the suffering of those in Gaza, Sudan and others in need around the world.
Time and again, as Mayor, I’ve witnessed how the values of community, empathy and kindness are embodied by our Muslim communities who represent the very best of London. Our city owes a great deal to Muslim Londoners whose contributions have made our capital a better, brighter, more prosperous place.
Despite it being another challenging year, Ramadan highlights how important it is to strengthen our bonds with others and reflect on the fact that we have more in common than that which divides us.
For me, one of the most precious aspects of the month is how it brings communities and people of different faiths together. I am particularly looking forward to once again meeting with Londoners at a wide variety of iftars across our capital. Londoners of all backgrounds uniting as we break our fasts and pray together shows London at its very best.
I’m proud that here in the capital we celebrate and welcome all cultures and faiths, and as global tensions continue to escalate it’s more important than ever that we build bridges rather than walls. Eid on the Square will return to Trafalgar Square on Sunday 8 June and I hope many Muslim News readers will be able to join together for this free, family-friendly celebration so please pass on the invite.
From my family to yours, Ramadan Mubarak.
