Eid gathering on Remembrance Day
BRITISH Muslims are to pay tribute to the Armed Forces in a special Eid gathering on Remembrance Day.
The Ministry of Defence, the Muslim Chaplain to HM Armed and the Armed Forces Muslim Association will host an Eid celebration at RAF Northolt in Aylesbury on Friday 11 November.
Organiserrs said the event will help raise awareness of the significant contribution made by British Muslims over the years as well as honouring all those who have served and contributed to the British Armed Forces.
The programme will include a number of presentations and speeches from guests including Sara Khan, Director of Inspire, a Muslim women’s organisation, and Asad Ahmad, News Presenter at BBC London. They will join the military in celebrating the religious and cultural heritage of Muslim service personnel. As well as Muslims currently serving in the Armed Forces and their families, the principle guests include General Sir David Richards Head of the British Armed Forces and Patron of the Armed Forces Muslim Association and Mr Alistair Burt MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office.
Imam Asim Hafiz MA, Muslim Chaplain to HM Armed Forces said: “Not many people are aware of the enormous contribution Muslims have made to the Armed Forces over the years. Thousands served in the British Armed Forces in India and many continue to serve today; indeed over 600 Muslim men and women are currently serving in the British Armed Forces.
“As Muslim Chaplain to the HM Armed Forces, I honour the sacrifices made by all our young men and women. They do not defend a piece of land but the very values by which we live. We all owe them a great deal for defending those values, a sacrifice that sadly we all too often take for granted.”
Sara Khan, Director of Inspire added: “We should be extremely proud of our British Muslim servicemen and women. Despite facing criticism from extremist elements in our society and from those who question whether they can be truly loyal British citizens, their courage, dignity and loyal service affirms they are indeed a credit to Britain. To them I say: “We are proud to stand up and support you as you serve our country.”
