![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/R7MXE5YHISS2DXNSUEAXPCU2CI.jpg?smart=true&auth=5b4facf6fec7c917afec93da57a45b187fc736f3f1a1469e2d9c02832a46936e&width=400&height=225)
People pray after iftar at Lootah Mosque
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/WNIA53IFXOYDENDIZVN7DA53FU.jpg?smart=true&auth=01e40c2cd4187c0b40caf4e8d499051b4dbe211d2e80f9ee5670b8782ac5e29c&width=400&height=225)
Sulthan Alaudeen says Lootah Mosque holds a special place in his heart. All photos by Chris Whiteoak / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/QOESTX5MR444AEGNEZPAFH525I.jpg?smart=true&auth=838f0dba5cefd95f0a4016bcffcc4bc11076dc536b81ca4bedc0801b5595e420&width=400&height=225)
People prepare for Iftar near Lootah Mosque in Deira.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/EEDAQFFGFAJRUEXEEHKHPVT2YE.jpg?smart=true&auth=05f8c3f2c129519234a5c1e9383e3a0194cd965920e2b6f14ea813cd9735070e&width=400&height=225)
Crowds of worshippers prepare to break their fast at iftar.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/NWQQXM6WZPXZJIXKFUMKLMSSLE.jpg?smart=true&auth=d5d847b335d81d63bb3c64850278a7182b5f2da53072e9557a1c18b86c6aa54a&width=400&height=225)
Worshippers sit happily side by side, reading from the Quran.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/HXQLSCUGXDKP5IGJVWMPKIE64Y.jpg?smart=true&auth=1970ab1b29f9d8a15d6f2046169322744f590533b9f4088bfec9706e6b4e1e83&width=400&height=225)
A man takes time for reflection during Ramadan.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/FRVVRMEL7MWB4JU3L6ZS4UZWAE.jpg?smart=true&auth=1d26479d08df5bed91d516004d58bb807eaeb7dd03ce8a05b99203fa4fcf1591&width=400&height=225)
Lootah Mosque is a welcoming home from home for many people.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/PTGDHKLHRSCP56SQYJUVYLBX44.jpg?smart=true&auth=88cd9dcefce2a1c3197ac7c540ff971829e5bb04989946aa7d9f62fa20cf503a&width=400&height=225)
Worshippers pray at Lootah Mosque.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/OMDJSYFIXUZR6DQLPNHGY55DEY.jpg?smart=true&auth=f5b8045b6effdeba738cc4e6671142a208cf0a76ad2407b2ab5ddf70947ac8ec&width=400&height=225)
People gather together to break their fast.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/DRU4OT3436JWAUYBAZYQB5CAHU.jpg?smart=true&auth=6404e1b5830931d9e1fa78e93ed7e15983fbe157a815521aa0b27d1e188b5ec9&width=400&height=225)
Worshippers wait in line for Iftar food.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/SRRYNQ4IUBHM4XW6WI4YR5RGMU.jpg?smart=true&auth=9d53f1d9239dd7d8838f15fb4105fdeec3c6fe98c126d94f7528a6e9d7fcad8f&width=400&height=225)
Meals are prepared in readiness for iftar.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/O2N6D72CUPYI5NLIXICVQEWYQY.jpg?smart=true&auth=eba88e946737fd164682ff075cba7c85627628682935e2830dd5ceed2d280b53&width=400&height=225)
An array of foods are laid out for iftar.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/NLYKZI5UWD4DL4RVUSM7ULHNVI.jpg?smart=true&auth=05be41d3855edf45ee75db07b3d5810d86d395a300cde65a6ed5ab33c20f73d8&width=400&height=225)
Lootah Mosque brings together people from all over the emirate in the spirit of Ramadan.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/QUSN6F4LLAQ3JBX62YHCNBYCPI.jpg?smart=true&auth=7cc5bd12fba01b678c1bfc3c2835779854486ef60a740dde12d4646edf3b9066&width=400&height=225)
People prepare for Iftar.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/XJ7OH25TNBMV7UQ5AYI674JLQU.jpg?smart=true&auth=bb0147ecd4026348ba6abecf16d7b58acd8b989e954bcb77f0b381f9bbac5752&width=400&height=225)
Worshippers enjoy iftar at Lootah Mosque.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/S7DXPQFX4HAX6633XWGDPBDXIA.jpg?smart=true&auth=2a24c5f651a884e3f9a25ce1fbd01e9ec8e3fc682dbba884a668b7ca4e1e89dd&width=400&height=225)
Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection for Muslims.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/WOCKYZIJVIT2SPG5CRY3TZMI7Q.jpg?smart=true&auth=2b4087939d0376df8d3e8d1fc757f7a22180cc69b8d7b5fa20823c6ea4656a42&width=400&height=225)
Lootah Mosque has welcomed worshippers for decades.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/AUNAPIUJMAJ5EESX5TLBGNBOKI.jpg?smart=true&auth=59ce3b02bf47371c3fe6787f636eb557759cefda6db1b6bb62325cc78c9d320b&width=400&height=225)
People prepare for Iftar.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/XI2FACUURNLW7DJP3O52G6JAK4.jpg?smart=true&auth=867bc984c869ef59828199f2baf6c2aef1c179d7155139324abd69d647bfcd47&width=400&height=225)
Worshippers join together to pray after iftar.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/RBKWSFE663SF6DQSERMFQSBOYM.jpg?smart=true&auth=53689be192bb10ffac5f84e6698f4240a9b9c2506ac072e5ec458e9dec93af48&width=400&height=225)
The mosque is regularly packed with worshippers during the holy month.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/R7MXE5YHISS2DXNSUEAXPCU2CI.jpg?smart=true&auth=5b4facf6fec7c917afec93da57a45b187fc736f3f1a1469e2d9c02832a46936e&width=400&height=225)
People pray after iftar at Lootah Mosque
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/WNIA53IFXOYDENDIZVN7DA53FU.jpg?smart=true&auth=01e40c2cd4187c0b40caf4e8d499051b4dbe211d2e80f9ee5670b8782ac5e29c&width=400&height=225)
Sulthan Alaudeen says Lootah Mosque holds a special place in his heart. All photos by Chris Whiteoak / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/QOESTX5MR444AEGNEZPAFH525I.jpg?smart=true&auth=838f0dba5cefd95f0a4016bcffcc4bc11076dc536b81ca4bedc0801b5595e420&width=400&height=225)
People prepare for Iftar near Lootah Mosque in Deira.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/EEDAQFFGFAJRUEXEEHKHPVT2YE.jpg?smart=true&auth=05f8c3f2c129519234a5c1e9383e3a0194cd965920e2b6f14ea813cd9735070e&width=400&height=225)
Crowds of worshippers prepare to break their fast at iftar.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/NWQQXM6WZPXZJIXKFUMKLMSSLE.jpg?smart=true&auth=d5d847b335d81d63bb3c64850278a7182b5f2da53072e9557a1c18b86c6aa54a&width=400&height=225)
Worshippers sit happily side by side, reading from the Quran.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/HXQLSCUGXDKP5IGJVWMPKIE64Y.jpg?smart=true&auth=1970ab1b29f9d8a15d6f2046169322744f590533b9f4088bfec9706e6b4e1e83&width=400&height=225)
A man takes time for reflection during Ramadan.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/FRVVRMEL7MWB4JU3L6ZS4UZWAE.jpg?smart=true&auth=1d26479d08df5bed91d516004d58bb807eaeb7dd03ce8a05b99203fa4fcf1591&width=400&height=225)
Lootah Mosque is a welcoming home from home for many people.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/PTGDHKLHRSCP56SQYJUVYLBX44.jpg?smart=true&auth=88cd9dcefce2a1c3197ac7c540ff971829e5bb04989946aa7d9f62fa20cf503a&width=400&height=225)
Worshippers pray at Lootah Mosque.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/OMDJSYFIXUZR6DQLPNHGY55DEY.jpg?smart=true&auth=f5b8045b6effdeba738cc4e6671142a208cf0a76ad2407b2ab5ddf70947ac8ec&width=400&height=225)
People gather together to break their fast.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/DRU4OT3436JWAUYBAZYQB5CAHU.jpg?smart=true&auth=6404e1b5830931d9e1fa78e93ed7e15983fbe157a815521aa0b27d1e188b5ec9&width=400&height=225)
Worshippers wait in line for Iftar food.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/SRRYNQ4IUBHM4XW6WI4YR5RGMU.jpg?smart=true&auth=9d53f1d9239dd7d8838f15fb4105fdeec3c6fe98c126d94f7528a6e9d7fcad8f&width=400&height=225)
Meals are prepared in readiness for iftar.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/O2N6D72CUPYI5NLIXICVQEWYQY.jpg?smart=true&auth=eba88e946737fd164682ff075cba7c85627628682935e2830dd5ceed2d280b53&width=400&height=225)
An array of foods are laid out for iftar.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/NLYKZI5UWD4DL4RVUSM7ULHNVI.jpg?smart=true&auth=05be41d3855edf45ee75db07b3d5810d86d395a300cde65a6ed5ab33c20f73d8&width=400&height=225)
Lootah Mosque brings together people from all over the emirate in the spirit of Ramadan.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/QUSN6F4LLAQ3JBX62YHCNBYCPI.jpg?smart=true&auth=7cc5bd12fba01b678c1bfc3c2835779854486ef60a740dde12d4646edf3b9066&width=400&height=225)
People prepare for Iftar.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/XJ7OH25TNBMV7UQ5AYI674JLQU.jpg?smart=true&auth=bb0147ecd4026348ba6abecf16d7b58acd8b989e954bcb77f0b381f9bbac5752&width=400&height=225)
Worshippers enjoy iftar at Lootah Mosque.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/S7DXPQFX4HAX6633XWGDPBDXIA.jpg?smart=true&auth=2a24c5f651a884e3f9a25ce1fbd01e9ec8e3fc682dbba884a668b7ca4e1e89dd&width=400&height=225)
Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection for Muslims.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/WOCKYZIJVIT2SPG5CRY3TZMI7Q.jpg?smart=true&auth=2b4087939d0376df8d3e8d1fc757f7a22180cc69b8d7b5fa20823c6ea4656a42&width=400&height=225)
Lootah Mosque has welcomed worshippers for decades.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/AUNAPIUJMAJ5EESX5TLBGNBOKI.jpg?smart=true&auth=59ce3b02bf47371c3fe6787f636eb557759cefda6db1b6bb62325cc78c9d320b&width=400&height=225)
People prepare for Iftar.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/XI2FACUURNLW7DJP3O52G6JAK4.jpg?smart=true&auth=867bc984c869ef59828199f2baf6c2aef1c179d7155139324abd69d647bfcd47&width=400&height=225)
Worshippers join together to pray after iftar.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/RBKWSFE663SF6DQSERMFQSBOYM.jpg?smart=true&auth=53689be192bb10ffac5f84e6698f4240a9b9c2506ac072e5ec458e9dec93af48&width=400&height=225)
The mosque is regularly packed with worshippers during the holy month.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/R7MXE5YHISS2DXNSUEAXPCU2CI.jpg?smart=true&auth=5b4facf6fec7c917afec93da57a45b187fc736f3f1a1469e2d9c02832a46936e&width=400&height=225)
People pray after iftar at Lootah Mosque
The Dubai mosque where a 'family' unites every Ramadan
Lootah Mosque in Deira holds memories of friendships struck 50 years ago when people congregated in a then quiet neighbourhood
Ramola Talwar Badam
20 May, 2019
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