Bradford Bulls make history by hosting Iftar event

During Ramadan, Muslims do not eat or drink during daylight, devoting themselves to the Islamic faith.

An Iftar event is when people observing Ramadan come together to break their daily fast.

The event, which was held at Odsal Stadium on Wednesday, was attended by more than 50 guests from different faiths and backgrounds – with RFL Chief Executive Tony Sutton and Rimla Akhtar OBE, chair of the Rugby League’s Inclusion Board among those present.

Humayun Islam (far right) and Ikram Butt (second from right) were two of the organisers (Image: UGC)

Bulls head coach Mark Dunning was also in attendance representing the club, alongside Jansin Turgut who is currently observing Ramadan.

Similar events have been taking place across the city of Bradford in recent weeks, with around a quarter of Bradford’s population identifying as Muslims.

Bradford Bulls’ Commercial Manager Ian Stafford said: “Wednesday night was a truly historic and humbling experience, hosting British rugby league’s first-ever Iftar Event at Odsal Stadium.

Bulls head coach Mark Dunning was in attendance (Image: UGC)

“It was fantastic to see so many different communities coming together, learning from one another and observing the Muslim prayer before breaking their fast.

“We are an inclusive club and our stadium is an inclusive stadium. You are welcome here no matter where you are from or what you believe in and last night was another example of that.

“I would once again like to thank Ikram Butt, Siddique Amin, Faz Ali and Humayun Islam for their support in staging this event and we look forward to holding similar events in the future.”

An Iftar event is when people observing Ramadan come together to break their daily fast (Image: UGC)

Dr Ikram Butt, the first British Muslim to represent England in both codes of rugby, said: “We were delighted to be part of this historic occasion.

"Many thanks to Ian Stafford, Chris Mason, Siddique Amin, Humayun Islam BEM BCAc, Faz Ali and Junaid Malik for their tireless efforts behind the scenes and believing in the importance of providing an inclusive environment at Bradford Bulls RLFC supporting and embracing individuals of all faiths and non. 

"The aim of the Iftar is to promote positive dialogue, inclusivity, and understanding, as well as bringing communities together and developing the understanding of Ramadan.

"Everyone seemed to have learnt something new and had a good time which is very pleasing.”

During Ramadan, Muslims do not eat or drink during daylight, devoting themselves to the Islamic faith (Image: UGC)

Siddique Amin, Managing Director at LA Romantica Beds, said: “What stood out for me was how friendly the event was on Wednesday and how all parties present were open and honest with each other."