Chelsea FC makes history, hosts its first ever open iftar at Stamford Bridge
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Chelsea football club hosted its first Open Iftar on Sunday at Stamford Bridge stadium becoming the first English Premier League club to do so.
The iftar was organized in partnership with the Ramadan Tent Project, a UK charity, to mark the Islamic month of fasting from before dawn to sunset, with Ramadan taking place until Friday 21 April.
Ramadan Tent Project is an award-winning charity established in 2013 with a mission of bringing communities together and developing the understanding of Ramadan.
The event was part of Chelsea and the foundation’s No To Hate campaign against racism and discrimination.
The Open Iftar allowed Muslims observing the fast an opportunity to gather to break their fast together as well as providing a safe space for mutual dialogue and engagement.
Open Iftar is the largest community event during Ramadan, which allows fasting Muslims to come together and break their fast.
The event began with a speech by Dowshan Humzah, advisory board member of the charity and was followed by speeches from Daniel Finkelstein, the chairman of the Chelsea Foundation, and former Chelsea player Paul Canoville.
“We are a big community with lots of supporters from different backgrounds and we want to honor, respect and share the joy of every single fan,” Finkelstein said.
“This is about saying yes to love, inclusion, community and yes to everyone who wants to be a Chelsea fan. It’s very special to be the first Premier League club to host an Open Iftar and something we are extremely proud about.”
Imran Abu Hassan led prayers after the speeches.
Omar Salha, founder and CEO of the Ramadan Tent Project, expressed his gratitude, saying, “We are honoured to bring Open Iftar to Stamford Bridge, on the occasion of our 10-year anniversary and our 2023 theme of “Belonging”, and work in partnership with Chelsea FC who have been driving inclusivity in football.”
The No To Hate campaign, a club-wide equality, diversity, and inclusion program that targets hate and discrimination, will recognise Ramadan at Chelsea FC and Chelsea Foundation.
The campaign aims to educate all stakeholders inside and outside of Chelsea FC and football and promoting religious tolerance is one of its key focus areas. The No To Hate campaign also highlights other religious festivals throughout the calendar year.