BIRMINGHAM (Dispatches) -- The
University of Birmingham hopes to smash records by hosting another Community Iftar, after last year’s was the biggest in Birmingham. The Edgbaston-based university is planning a host of Ramadan related activities, from its annual Community Iftar to a viewing of one of the earliest manuscripts of the Qur’an.
After a whopping 1,500 guests attended the city’s biggest Iftar last year, the university will host another on April 19. Another treat for guests includes a peek at a replica of the Birmingham Qur’an Manuscript.
Dubbed the ‘Birmingham Qur’an’, it is one of the earliest surviving pieces of the Islamic holy book and early manuscripts of the Qur’an in the world to have been radiocarbon dated. The text is preserved at the Cadbury Research Library at the university and is part of the Mingana Collection of 3,000 Middle Eastern manuscripts.
Viewing of the replica will take place before the Iftar at an exhibition on Islam and its cultural and artistic history. Organized by the MIAH Foundation guests can also see a display of original artefacts and reproductions.
The Islamic Society is also running its annual Ramadan Project where the society hosts various events on campus from daily Iftars, Halaqat (discussion) circles and Qur’an classes every week. All events will be organized by The University of Birmingham Multi-Faith Chaplaincy and the Islamic Society.
The Iftar will be served from 8pm by the Old Joe clock in Chancellor’s Court, whilst the exhibition will take place in the Great Hall.