Interfaith event at Jack McCann Court

Interfaith event at Jack McCann Court

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Sabina Akhtar, Community Development Worker in Rochdale, held a Sufi Style interfaith event along with Rev Mark Coleman at Jack McCann Court to honour the elderly and to promote community cohesion and break down barriers to integration.

Sabina said: “The residents had previously told me that they have people of faith and non-faith residents at the sheltered housing but there was lack of interaction.

“They also expressed that they would like to know more about Islam.

“The event that I did involve a Sufi Derwish Group who sang songs about the prophet's and then did some loud Dhikr and the Hadra.

“Islam has different strands this is the Sunni path.

“I personally wanted people to see that us Sufis are peaceful loving people, the residents had fun and joined in the chanting, clapping along and even singing when they could.

“The Rev Mark Coleman was invited to do a special prayer and talk about the similarities of both Islam and Christianity.

Rev Mark Coleman, Vicar of Rochdale said: It is such a joy for Muslims and Christians to worship together, to share good food and good conversation.

“The residents at Jack McCann Court gave us such a good welcome, proving that Rochdale leads the way in celebration of our rich mix of faith and culture.”