A CITY mosque will throw open its doors to share its experiences of Ramadan and fasting.

Members of Southampton Medina Mosque, on Compton Walk, off St Marys Road, is offering members of the local community a chance to partake in ‘Big Iftar’, a national initiative aimed at encouraging people of different faiths and background to come together and share in the holy month of Ramadan.

People will be given a tour of the mosque, complete with a question and answer session on anything to do with the Islamic faith.

Afterwards everyone will eat together as the traditional fasting breaks.

An Iftar is the evening meal with which Muslims end their daily Ramadan fast at sunset.

Mosque committee member Kasim Sumra, 43, said the event normally attracts hundreds of people and is open to everyone in the city.

He added: “This gives people a chance to learn more about the religion. Most are aware of fasting and Ramadan but certain people are not so sure of other elements.

“The event allows them to see what we do, experience the atmosphere inside the mosque and share food following the fast.

“It really allows the community to come together and learn more about each other.”

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting.

It commemorates the first revelation of the Quran to Muhammad according to Islamic belief.

Launched in 2012, The Big Iftar has provided a platform for Iftars to take place in homes, community centres, synagogues, parks, town squares, schools and more.

The month lasts between 29 and 30 days based on the visual sightings of the moon.

The event at Southampton Medina Mosque will take place from 8pm on Sunday, June 10.