Arts centre marks Ramadan with community Iftar

Local artist Haseebah Ali has been commissioned to create a mural at the centre for people to enjoy throughout the month

People from across Birmingham have gathered together to celebrate the breaking of the fast during the month of Ramadan at a community Iftar.

The multi-faith event was held at the Midlands Art Centre (MAC) on Monday.

Following the meal, there was an evening of shares prayers, free to invited guests and their families.

The MAC has also commissioned local artist and printmaker Haseebah Ali to create a mural inside the building for visitors to enjoy throughout the month.

Ramadan is the most important time in the Islamic calendar, when Muslims fast and refrain from eating or drinking between dawn and sunset.

Muslims also believe it is a time for self-reflection and renewing their faith in Allah, with donations to charity, also known as zakat and reciting special evening prayers known as Taraweeh, being important aspects of the month.

It was the second year the MAC has hosted the iftar, and the event was broadcast live on BBC Midlands Today.

Haseebah Ali, whose art is featured at the centre, said it was important her work reflected elements of her faith.

"It is important because when you look around the community it is so broad and vast, so we should really implement the people that come to the MAC," she told the programme.

"They deserve to see artwork that they can relate to and feel warmth when they look at it."

It is the second year the Midlands Arts Centre is hosting a community Iftar for Ramadan

During the fast, two meals are eaten - one at dawn before the fast begins, known as Suhoor, followed by the Iftar at sunset, when families sit together and break their fasts with dates and water.

All adults who are fit and well are obliged to fast during Ramadan, with young children, pregnant woman, elderly and sick people exempt.

During the holy month, mosques open their doors on most days to enable people to gather for Iftar.