Emirates Stadium witnessed an inspiring display of unity and inclusivity as our Community team and Finsbury Park Mosque came together to host a vibrant community Iftar event last week. The gathering brought together members of the local community, both Muslim and non-Muslim, to celebrate, learn and show mutual respect.
“Iftar” refers to the meal eaten by Muslims at sunset to break their fast during the holy month of Ramadan. It's the main meal of the day for those fasting.
We welcomed more than 100 guests, who were pleasantly surprised to see our longest-serving men’s player and devout Muslim Mo Elneny to join in and break his fast alongside them.
Key local figures including Mohammed Kozbar, Chair of Finsbury Park Mosque, Rabbi Mendy of Islington’s Jewish community, Elizabeth Chapel of the Islington Faiths Forum, Jeremy Corbyn, MP for Islington North, and Gary Heather, Mayor of Islington, also participated.
Local communities came together to share Egyptian cuisine and promote respect and harmony in the spirit of Ramadan, with young people from the area also taking part.
A highlight of the evening was the unveiling of the newly opened multi-faith prayer room for players at the Emirates Stadium. This addition reflects our commitment to providing inclusive spaces for individuals of all faiths to practice their beliefs.
The special event was captured as part of a 25-minute documentary for Premier League Productions titled Arsenal and Ramadan. The documentary showcases Mo's journey from Egypt to North London and his routines and customs during the holy month. It also features Dr Zafar Iqbal, our new Head of Sports Science and Performance, who explains how training and nutrition are tailored for Muslim footballers during Ramadan. Additionally, Samir Singh, our Community Inclusion Manager, shares insights on how events like these embody our values of fostering a sense of belonging for everyone.
You can watch the full documentary below – and keep an eye out for an appearance by an Arsenal invincible too!
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