'Our Iftar is turning strangers into friends'

A Muslim leader who embraced protesters in the aftermath of the Southport attacks has spoken of the importance of "turning strangers into friends".

Shaykh Adam Kelwick joined Lancashire's Muslim community at the Preston Iftar - the fast-breaking evening meal in Ramadan - for a gathering to bring people of all faiths together.

Mr Kelwick, who went viral for his "beautiful interactions" between Muslims and protesters in August last year, appeared with other leaders including the Iman of Southport Mosque Ibrahim Hussein.

"It is incredibly important in turning strangers into friends because there's no room for ignorance," he said.

The seventh annual interfaith Ramadan Iftar dinner, at the Quakers Friends Meeting House, welcomed people from various backgrounds to "build bridges through friendship and understanding".

An Iftar refers to the meal when Muslims break their fast during the Islamic month of Ramadan, and is commonly done as a community with people gathering to break their fast together directly after sunset.

Mr Hussein shared his experiences of the night when protesters vandalised Southport mosque in the wake of the town's dance class stabbing murders.

He said he experienced "great kindness" from the local community in the aftermath.

"The way they came together to ask us what we needed it was incredible," he said.

For those attending, it was an opportunity to share their thoughts on the significance of friendship.

One woman at the event said: "It is really important for us as a community to come together for events like this so we can share our passion for Preston."

Another attendee added: "Coming together to break bread, to share stories, to inspire each other to create a better world."

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