Earlier this month, the Royal Geographical Society (RGS) and Institute of British Geographers (IBG) hosted an event titled, “21st Century Challenges: Integrated Britain?” The event was held to discuss integration in Britain and explore the question, “Are We Sleepwalking into Segregation?” Over the last decade, there have been major concerns over people separating themselves into classes and treating each other differently, especially after the RGS reported that ethnic groups appear to live in divided areas in large cities in the UK. This concerned the head of the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) who, “[warned] that Britain is ‘sleep-walking’ its way towards segregation.”

Ramadan Tent Project founder Omar Salha was among the speakers at the Integrated Britain event. Omar was awarded the Nohoudh Scholarship for the study of ‘Integration of Muslims in British Society’. The RGS-IBG said of Omar’s remarks that, “…the speakers’ view was that integration must be about recognising the commonalities, rather than the differences, between groups of people, understanding the common humanity and values that unite, rather than divide us.”

Omar’s vision in bringing communities together has been evident through his leadership at Ramadan Tent Project, where humanity and shared values have been key themes in creating the Community Spirit that is felt during Open Iftars. Ramadan Tent Project takes place in the heart of London, as well as Manchester, Plymouth, and other cities as it is steadily expanding across the globe. One of Ramadan Tent Project’s core members, Rooful Ali, created a Ramadan Portraits project, highlighting the beauty of the diversity among the community from participants that attended Ramadan Tent Project in 2015. A survey conducted by the Ramadan Tent Project committee in 2015 found that nearly 1 in 4 attendees at Ramadan Tent Project were of other religious backgrounds who came to observe Ramadan with their Muslim neighbours. The most frequently used words and phrases left in survey comments were “diversity” and “meeting people”. The positive community spirit found at Ramadan Tent Project is a great example of a diverse Britain where communities come together and support one another.

For more questions, or to get involved in Ramadan Tent Project, please visit our website, or email us at info@ramadantentproject.org.