5,000 young Muslim men have descended on the Surrey countryside this weekend for the largest sit-down meal in the UK ahead of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

Source: thecroydoncitizen.com

Release begins: Members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association (AMYA) have come together from every part of the UK for three days, at a rally aimed at educating youngsters about the true and peaceful message of Islam, societal unity and loyalty to their country.

They are coming together amidst continuing concern over the number of young Muslim men going out to Iraq and Syria to join extremist groups like Islamic State and the event aims to promote a positive sense of social engagement, British identity and brotherhood.

The highlight of the weekend will be this evening’s enormous, al fresco, three-course banquet for all attendees with the Ahmadi Muslim Caliph, ahead of a month of fasting.

The Caliph, His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad, is the worldwide spiritual head of 150 million Ahmadi Muslims in 206 countries.

The event will see participants travel to Surrey from 107 branches of AMYA, from Aberdeen, Brighton and everywhere in-between.

Also present will be the members of the British Armed Forces, Police, Fire Brigade, and Ambulance Service, as well as many charities that AMYA works with throughout the year.

The banquet will take place under the stars on 36 acres of the Surrey countryside. The food will be prepared at a purpose built kitchen by AMYA volunteers and includes:

• 1000 kilograms of chicken
• 350 kilograms of rice
• 750 kilograms of lamb
• 520 kilograms of flour
• 700 litres of milk
• 10000 Nan bread (from the on-site bread factory)

National President of AMYA, Waqas Mirza said:

“Now, more than ever, there is a need for Muslims – particularly young Muslim men – to come together, foster bonds of brotherhood and show a united front which says we are proud to be Muslim AND British.

“The fact that our Caliph will hopefully be joining us for the meal will mean that these young men will never forget this weekend. I hope that when they go back home they will use this experience to go on and make a positive contribution to their communities.”

Release ends.