Thursday, March 28, 2024 | Ramadan 17, 1445 H
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EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

Iftar in natural settings

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Kabeer Yousuf -


Indeed, Ramadhan involves a perfect harmony of mind, body and soul, and getting in terms with the surroundings in its perfect way.  With the temperatures not as exasperating as it used to be in the beginning of the month, believers are into a spree to explore the nature, feel the evening breeze that waft along with the Maghrib prayers and to break fast with their near and dear ones.


As Ramadhan is advancing to the first half, people have been venturing out to parks and beaches seeking a setting different from the usual, familiar environ for the auspicious occasion of iftar.


Major parks in the capital city, besides Qurum and Athaiba beaches, are all feeling the warmth of iftar. The aroma of iftar delicacies fills the air as the area is resonated with supplications and mass prayers immediately after breaking the day’s fast.


“I have been coming here for the last one week with my family for breaking fast in the natural settings as it has its own beauty. I feel contented and I believe it’s all about feeling good”, Naser al Riyami, a man spotted at the Qurum park, says.


Unsung heroes


While attending massive iftar gatherings, the picture is not complete without a mention of the people who work day in and day out to cater to the hundreds of believers who attend these mass Iftars at Masjids and tents. Their days start early and ends once the Suhoor is served around the long night prayers.


“We are always ready just before the beginning of the holy month and we form a committee to implement the one-month programme”, says Ramsheed, employee of a leading automotive group that offers free Iftars and Suhoors for those who attend the evening prayers at the hall adjacent to the mosque.

The case is no different at the various Masjids across the country, where each one will be fed with a meal or two in the evenings.


From morning everyday, people are busy preparing food for hundreds of people who include both believers and non-believers, who sit close to each other, sharing the same feeling and ambience of iftar. A team of over 20 staff members get into action from afternoon arranging the place and setting the tone for the Iftar.


This has been the practice for the last several decades now. People start pouring in from 5.30 pm to secure their place. Women also start coming in to the designated hall and massive tents.


Iftar brings together people of all backgrounds, who speak different languages and hail from diverse cultural settings.


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