Arshad Mehmood Khan, Scotland Correspondent
Majlis Ansarullah Scotland hosted its Eid-ul-Fitr reception on 27 April 2023 at the Baitur Rahman Mosque in Glasgow. The event was attended by over a hundred participants from different backgrounds, faiths, and communities. The event aimed to bring people together to celebrate Eid and promote unity and understanding.
The event included an exhibition of the Holy Quran in different languages and other Islamic literature. It featured speeches from notable speakers, including charities we have supported for many years, politicians, students, delegates of other faiths and the Royal Army.
The event continued with the recitation of the Holy Quran and its English translation, a welcome address by Tahir Naseem Ahmad Sahib, Regional Nazim of Majlis Ansarullah Scotland, and a slideshow showcasing humanitarian work organised by the majlis, in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Fife, and Dundee. The event also featured a series of short videos covering the introduction of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, and the worldwide humanitarian projects run by Majlis Ansarullah UK, for instance, the Masroor Eye Hospital in Burkina Faso.
Several speakers addressed the audience, including Abdul Ghaffar Abid Sahib Nazim Tabligh of the Scotland Region. He welcomed the guests from the Rotary Club of Scotland and the International Human Rights Commission.
Rt Hon Anne McLaughlin MP for Glasgow North East said it was an honour to attend the first event organised by Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya and was happy to see many people from different backgrounds. “I have met with Ahmadi members in the Gambia and am very impressed to see your schools and hospitals are in operation and helping change the lives of many Africans.”
Deputy Provost Bob Burgess, North Lanarkshire Council, said, “I am here to convey to you all ‘Eid Mubarak’ from the North Lanarkshire Council.”
Dr Ken Simpson MBE – CEO of Ronald McDonald House Glasgow, said that “For the first time in my life, I have gotten a chance to attend any mosque, and I am very impressed by seeing this community’s discipline and happy faces.
Pastor Favour Asante, Greater Glasgow International Ministry, said that “I am impressed to see the humanitarian projects that your community is doing worldwide. My regards and best wishes to all of you and Eid Mubarak.”
Lt. Col. Alexander Bennett, Lead Chaplain of the Royal British Army, conveyed Eid celebrations to all Muslims and wished to have a peaceful society in Scotland.
Then, a speech was delivered by Fakhar Ahmad Aftab Sahib, the regional missionary. An interesting question-and-answer session was held, followed by a vote of thanks.
The event ended with a silent prayer and a special Eid dinner buffet presented to our esteemed guests. Many guests gave positive feedback and messages on social media and thanked Majlis Ansarullah Scotland for hosting the event.