Leaders of the Tilford faith community gathered at Mubarak Mosque recently to show unity ahead of the start of the Holy Month of Ramadan.

On Friday, February 21, the Ahmaddiyya Muslim Community invited members of the public to an interfaith event to hear speakers talk about the need for peace amid growing global tensions.

In attendance were members of the Tilford Parish Council, Farnham Town Council, Rushmoor Borough Council, and Guildford Borough Council, alongside leaders from various religious groups, including representatives of Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, and Christianity.

Visitors also had the opportunity to tour the Mubarak Mosque to learn about the religious building.

Speakers discussed the need for multi-faith cooperation in light of the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, emphasising that peace and justice are essential for humanity.

Farnham town mayor Cllr Brodie Mauluka was one of those in attendance.

He said: “A good thing about the event was seeing all the faith leaders come together for prayers of peace not just for Farnham but for the whole world which is very much needed at this time.”

The parish priest of All Saint Church in Tilford, the Rev Ben Cahill-Nicholls, said: “This event is so important as it is not just a gathering of the most senior religious figures but also of the community and religious figures of Tilford.”

Mubarak Mosque also hosted members of the Tilford community as it hosted members from all faiths to come and share food together.

The Ahmadiyya community, as well as millions of Muslims from around the world, are preparing for Ramadan, which is due to begin on Friday, February 28 and end on March 30 with the Eid Al-Fitr celebration.

Ramadan is a holy month of fasting and worship for followers of the religion. From the first appearance of dawn until sunset, Muslims are expected to abstain from eating and drinking.