Demand for Iftar, the meal which breaks fast, at Central Oxford Mosque has risen drastically due to the cost of living crisis, says one of its trustees.

The Mosque has provided these meals for more than 25 years.

Faisal Aziz, a trustee at the Mosque, said: "Charity is a huge part of our faith, as Muslims one of the main aspects of our faith is to give zikaat at 2.5 per cent of our wealth per year to charity.

"The trustees of the Mosque are particularly delighted that this year we have been joined by sisters from the church and members of the Sikh community."

Oxford Mail: Iftar, the meal which breaks fasting, at Central Oxford MosqueIftar, the meal which breaks fasting, at Central Oxford Mosque (Image: Central Oxford Mosque)

The increase in demand, Mr Aziz highlights, is contributed to by various factors.

He said: "The cost of living crisis, the record number of overseas students that Oxford has, plus the large number of Muslim key workers that work around the clock to keep our beloved city operating such as surgeons, nurses, delivery drivers, pharmacists and food retailers that are time-bound to open their fasts ensures that we serve in excess of 350 people on a daily basis."

Mr Aziz continued: "The Central Oxford Mosque Food team is headed by Uncle Shahid Rana and his team of volunteers.

"The team feed the sisters and their young children first whilst the men are completing their prayers and we have received a lovely letter from a group of sisters that are overseas Masters Students thanking the team and informing us that their parents often worried if they had opened their fasts and due to Central Oxford Mosque they no longer have to worry.

Oxford Mail: The letter from the masters studentsThe letter from the masters students (Image: Central Oxford Mosque)

Oxford Mail: The letter from the masters studentsThe letter from the masters students (Image: Central Oxford Mosque)

"This initiative brings together people of all backgrounds, and is reliant upon our amazing volunteers led by Uncle Shahid, the volunteers, trustees and our sponsors."

Mr Aziz lauded the diversity reflected at the Mosque during iftar.

Oxford Mail: Iftar, the meal which breaks fasting, at Central Oxford MosqueIftar, the meal which breaks fasting, at Central Oxford Mosque (Image: Central Oxford Mosque)

He said: "The amazing atmosphere at the Mosque during iftar means that when opening your fast you could be eating with an Arab, British, African etc... it is a fantastic and diverse setting and reflects on Islam's teaching of tolerance and equality."

Appreciation was also extended to Muslim businesses and Abid Catering High Wycombe for their support.

Oxford Mail: Iftar, the meal which breaks fasting, at Central Oxford MosqueIftar, the meal which breaks fasting, at Central Oxford Mosque (Image: Central Oxford Mosque)

Mr Aziz added: "This year the fact that there is unjust and genocidal mass starvation and immense suffering in Palestine, half of which are young people and children means that opening the fast at the Mosque provides unity in prayer and contemplation for the innocent people of Palestine."

Imams Mohammed Mahmood Sultan Sidiqqi and Imam Sahibzada Jameel Khan said: "Our beloved Prophet Muhammed stated that the best charity is to feed a hungry stomach and the reward for opening a person's fast is the same as fasting yourself without diminishing the reward of the fasting person.

"Central Oxford Mosque also continues to provide free food and essential items every Thursday for people of all faiths and for those of non."