Hundreds of Muslims in Islington are joining thousands across the capital to observe Ramadan - one of the most important religious celebrations in the Islamic calendar.
This year, Ramadan started on 21 August. The month long festival is marked by special prayers, daytime fasting and night time evening celebrations with family, friends and neighbours - often over food.
Many visit places of worship such as Finsbury Park Mosque to participate in the discipline of reciting the Koran, read in its entirety during the month. Others use the festival to perform good works for the poor and less fortunate.
In the 2001 Census 8 per cent of Islington's population identified themselves as members of the Islamic faith.
Ramadan is followed by the month of pilgrimage or 'hajj' when many adult Muslims make the journey to Mecca.
Cllr Terry Stacy, Leader of Islington Council said:
"All over the world millions of Muslims look forward to Ramadan, observing the fast and spending time with friends and family.
"On behalf of Islington Council, I extend our warmest wishes to Islington's Muslim Community during Ramadan.
"I am proud of Islington’s diversity and of the cultural and economic contribution that the Muslim community and others bring to the borough."
ENDS
Page Last Updated: 25 August 2009