Sadiq Khan boasts the ‘power of being Muslim’ as London hosts ‘the West’s biggest iftar’ | Politics | News
Sir Sadiq Khan declared the “power of being a Muslim” as thousands of people gathered in Trafalgar Square for what he called the biggest iftar in the Western world. Addressing the crowd breaking the Ramadan fast, the mayor praised the participants and pushed back against perceived threats.
Mayor of London Sir Sadiq said: “We are seeing the forces of division and darkness pitting communities against each other, trying to intimidate us and intimidate us into becoming less Muslim, less Islamic.” He added: “This Ramadan we showed the power of being Muslim and the joy of being British.”
Sir Sadiq, who was knighted for his public service, claimed that the Open Iftar event organized by the Ramadan Tent Project surpassed all other events in the West.
He told the gathering: “Tonight… we’re having not only the biggest iftar in London, not just the biggest iftar in Europe… but the biggest iftar in the Western world.”
The mayor underlined interfaith participation, noting that he met Christians, Jews, Hindus, Sikhs and atheists who shared meals in the iconic square. Sir Sadiq praised the “multicultural alliance” of other faiths and admitted that “being a Muslim in 2026 is difficult”.
It also celebrated London’s Ramadan lights, now in its fourth year, as a symbol that defies critics.
Sir Sadiq said: “There were Islamophobes and people denigrating London. But I’m really pleased… We’ve been lighting up lights celebrating Ramadan in the heart of our city for four years.”
Founded by SOAS University students in 2013, the Ramadan Tent Project promotes community through open iftars that acknowledge the vulnerable, the homeless and all faiths. More than a million participants attended events in the UK last year.
This year’s program included venues such as Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the National Gallery, as well as venues outside London such as Glasgow City Chambers and Bradford Live.
The Trafalgar Square gathering hosted a series of high-profile iftars from February 20 to March 16, underlining London’s embrace of its diverse Muslim community amid ongoing debates over integration and identity.
