A month of iftars in London

From opening fasts in skyscrapers to small community events, Ramadan 2023 was about spiritual renewal.

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Katie McCraw photo essay for Hyphen A month of iftars in London
Finsbury Park mosque on Monday 27 March. Every night of Ramadan, worshippers cooked and served iftar for 500 people, many of whom are vulnerable members of the local community. Men and women took turns on cooking duty each day. Photography for Hyphen by Katie McCraw

Ramadan is said to be a time of kindness and generosity, and that’s certainly what I experienced while documenting iftars in a number of different communities across London. The UK capital is home to more than 1.3 million Muslims, with roots around the world. While each group — from congregations of African heritage in South London to the culturally diverse mosques of Finsbury Park and Leyton — chose to break fast in their own ways, compassion and care were common denominators. Many people gave hours of their time to prepare food for fellow worshippers and ensure that people in need, from within and outside of their own communities, were fed. While often tired from the demands of daily fasting, many of the individuals I spoke to told me that these acts of service were a crucial part of the holy month that left them feeling spiritually and emotionally renewed.

Katie McCraw photo essay for Hyphen A month of iftars in London
Deloitte Muslim Network hosts iftar in the company’s central London office on Fleet Street. Part of a UK-wide event titled The Fast and the Curious, interested staff who were invited join in with fasting alongside Muslim colleagues. Deloitte offices around the UK hosted iftar meals for participating employees on 28 March 2023.
Katie McCraw photo essay for Hyphen A month of iftars in London
Before breaking their fasts at Deloitte’s Fleet Street office, Humaira Farooq, of the Deloitte Muslim Network, invites several speakers from offices across the UK to reflect on their experiences.
Katie McCraw photo essay for Hyphen A month of iftars in London
A woman at Finsbury Park mosque takes a well-deserved rest in the kitchen after spending more than six hours prepping and cooking hundreds of kilos of chicken, rice and vegetables. 
Katie McCraw photo essay for Hyphen A month of iftars in London
At Brixton mosque, a donation of doughnuts is joyfully received by youngsters enjoying iftar with women of all ages on Monday 17 April. The mosque’s Sheik Kamal described it as the busiest night of Ramadan.
Katie McCraw photo essay for Hyphen A month of iftars in London
Brixton mosque hosted hundreds of worshippers from across South London for iftar and prayers throughout Ramadan. Many women brought food to share, alongside the samosas, curry and rice provided by the mosque.
Katie McCraw photo essay for Hyphen A month of iftars in London
Sunday 16 April 2023 at Finchley mosque. After breaking fast with the customary date and glass of water, women  join male worshippers in prayers being led by an imam in the room above via video link.
Katie McCraw photo essay for Hyphen A month of iftars in London
A woman waits to serve food prepared for iftar at Finchley mosque
Katie McCraw photo essay for Hyphen A month of iftars in London
Leyton mosque’s chef Mahmood Ahmed (left) cooked every night of Ramadan for more than a hundred men. On Wednesday 19 April, he served rice and beans while prayers were offered by a community member (right).
Katie McCraw photo essay for Hyphen A month of iftars in London
Men pray together at Leyton mosque as they prepare to enjoy iftar

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