Durban mass Iftars to highlight spirit of Ramadan

THIS week more than a billion Muslims around the globe observed the start of one of most sacred month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan.

During this month, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset each day and aim to grow closer to Allah (God) as well as focusing on piety, gratitude and compassion for those less fortunate.

In an effort to share the spirit of Ramadan, Durbanite Zakiah Ebrahim is organising two mass iftar events on Saturday, March 16 and Saturday, March 23 on the Durban beachfront.

Iftar is the meal eaten by Muslims to break their fast after sunset.

Also read: 4 things to know about the month of Ramadan

Ebrahim said the events are open to everyone from any religious background and invited Durbanites to share a meal with those around them.

“We’ve held the mass iftars on the Durban beachfront for the past eight years and every year our numbers keep growing. The idea was born out of the mass iftar in the BoKaap in Cape Town. Both the mass iftars are open to everyone. Not only is this a way of highlighting the message of Ramadan but also fostering an understanding and unity among communities.

“The first year we held the event we catered for 600 people; now we can cater for close to 3 000 people. We have a serving station set-up on the day and people are also welcome to bring their own meals to share if they’d like. We encourage them to bring a picnic basket and mat and break bread with the people around them. The atmosphere is very family orientated,” she said.

Ebrahim also thanked the generous sponsors who donate meals for the mass iftars and said she will be joined by volunteers on the day.

Also read: Knowing more about Eid al-Fitr 

The mass iftar takes place on the grassy banks next to Bilal’s restaurant on March 16 and March 23.

For more information, contact Ebrahim on 076 626 0882.

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