ARMED FORCES IFTAR RECEPTION 29th June 2016
The Muslim Teachers’ Association were represented at the Armed Forces Iftar reception at the Ministry of Defence. The theme for the event was to commemorate the centenary of the Battle of the Somme and the role of the Muslims who fought for Britain.
‘A Century of Service: Commemorating British Muslim Contribution from the Battle of the Somme to LCpl Jabron Hashmi in Afghanistan’.
The Battle of the Somme, which marked its centenary on 1st July 2016. The role of the Muslims who fought in this battle for Britain was celebrated. The bloodiest battle of the Great War served to signify the magnanimity of the entire war. Similarly, remembering the Muslims who were involved in it symbolises the entire 400,000 Muslims who gallantly fought for Britain from Mesopotamia to the Western Front.
1st July 2016 also marks ten years since the fall of British Muslim soldier Lance Corporal Jabron Hashmi in Afghanistan (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/5144526.stm, http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/5159298.stm). The event recognised his brave service and members of his family were invited to address the event.
This Iftar continued to honour service made by Muslims to Britain by the commemoration of Muslims of the Somme, as well as Lance Corporal Hashmi
(This event was delivered in conjunction with British Future, New Horizons in British Islam and the The Big Iftar)
For more information about the event take a look at http://muslimnews.co.uk/newspaper/home-news/iftar-reception-at-mod/