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We leave as sisters: Group holds women-only Iftar

Nicola Haseler,in Bedfordand
Louise Parry
Nicola Haseler/BBC A young woman smiles at the camera while standing in the marquee, which has fairy lights strung across the ceilings. The room is set up as if for a wedding with round tables, white blossom trees and gold chairs. She wears a silver headscarf and blue blouse with sequins on, and has a small nose ring.Nicola Haseler/BBC
Rehana Sahraouei said the Iftar created "unity" as women from a variety of cultures and backgrounds gathered

A volunteer-led group has hosted a women-only Iftar to worship God and foster a sense of sisterhood.

Rosebuds Sisters in Bedford held the event on Friday during Ramadan – a period of fasting that began on 17 February.

The organisation runs social gatherings, art therapy – which is also extended to children – and wellness activities.

"Ramadan's not just about fasting, it's about growth, reflection, and community – it creates that sense of belonging," said organiser Rehana Sahraouei.

Rosebuds was founded to "create opportunities for women".

It has also launched a female undertaker service to ensure "every Muslimah and child is cared for at their final journey".

Rehana said the Iftar, where Muslims break their daily fast, offered a "safe space" for women to talk and worship together.

"As the evening progresses, women are going to be mingling and enjoying themselves."

The evening included a Nasheed, which is a song "when the words of God are being praised".

Nicola Haseler/BBC A woman smiles happily at the camera while sitting at one of the tables. She wears a black blouse and scarf, and her head is uncovered. Behind her other women mill about. Nicola Haseler/BBC
Moona said the food was "delicious" as the group broke their daily fast together

Moona Karim from Olney, in Buckinghamshire, said: "It's brought so many different people together from different nationalities: Turkish, Moroccan, there's our Kenyan friends, Bangladeshi.

"We've come as friends and strangers and we leave as sisters."

Nicola Haseler/BBC Manisha smiles at the camera, wearing a white silky headscarf and black top. There are wedding-style flower arrangements behind her, and a flower arch.Nicola Haseler/BBC
Manisha said during Ramadan "you feel more spiritually enlightened and you feel really connected to the community as well"

Manisha Ahmead, 28, said she had really valued the evening.

"The community is very important, and I wanted to be around like-minded people where we can celebrate our faith and the meaning of Ramadan.

"I really enjoyed breaking my fast today with my family and my friends and my community - and the food was delicious.

"But I think what I enjoyed most about today was knowing that we're all here, gathered to worship God, essentially, and we're all here to support each other in our sisterhood."

Nicola Haseler/BBC A view of the stage from the back of the room. A woman stands at the podium addressing the crowd, who sit at tables around the room. Some are looking at their mobile phones. The majority of the women wear the hijab.Nicola Haseler/BBC
Prayers, music and reflection took place at the Iftar in Kempston Hardwick

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