During this Ramadan, communities across the globe are coming together to celebrate the spirit of giving and unity through iftar, the evening meal that breaks the daily fast. From Jeddah in Saudi Arabia to the vibrant cricket fields of New Zealand, acts of communal kindness highlight the varied practices associated with this holy month.
In Jeddah, a group of over 300 volunteers has been mobilizing to provide free iftar meals for individuals who may struggle to reach their homes in time for the evening meal. This initiative, led by the Hattan volunteer organization, has been ongoing for the past five years, serving about 400 to 500 people every day. Al-Muthana Al-Dossary, the leader of Hattan, shared, “The response has been incredible. Locals from various parts of Jeddah are actively participating as volunteers.” Al-Dossary elaborated on the impact, stating that many—motorists, laborers, taxi drivers, and bike riders—depend on this effort to break their fast.
This gesture of compassion resonates deeply during Ramadan, as reflected by young volunteers like 17-year-old Lina Al-Mamari. She expressed pride in being involved, “It gives us the opportunity to offer a helping hand to those in need, and it strengthens social solidarity in our community.” Similarly, Yazen bin Essa also voiced his motivation, adding, “We want to ensure that as there is a call for breaking fast, no one should go hungry during this sacred time.”
Not far from this initiative, Namaa Charity and Al-Ittihad Club have joined forces to expand their efforts, aiming to distribute around 5,000 iftar meals daily. Their project, named ‘Fakkat Reeg’ (breaking fast), underscores a larger commitment within the community to support those less fortunate during the holy month.
Across the globe in New Zealand, the Pakistan national cricket team also found ways to integrate their Ramadan observance into their match against New Zealand. During the fourth T20I, players were observed breaking their fast on the field. This public display of faith and tradition was made possible as the sun dipped below the horizon, allowing a benched team member to bring out a tray of fruits. Commentator observations highlighted the significance of observing Ramadan even in the midst of competitive play. While they celebrated their religious customs, the team sadly faced defeat, losing by 115 runs during the match, but the shared moment of iftar showcased cultural traditions amid sport.
One of the standout performances in this series came earlier, during a previous match where player Hasan Nawaz made headlines with a stunning 105 runs off just 45 balls. His efforts, unfortunately, were not enough to secure victory in the recent contest held at Bay Oval.
In yet another display of community and celebration, the American School of Marrakech hosted a unique iftar in collaboration with local families, educators, and diplomats. US Consul General to Casablanca, Marissa Scott, was present at the event and shared the importance of Ramadan by stating, “It’s a time for us to find our way closer to our maker.” This reflects the spirit of reflection and connection that characterizes the month's essence.
Priti Paul Kadiri, a board member at American Schools in Marrakech, expressed that breaking bread with the local community strengthens bonds. She emphasized, “Breaking bread with our Muslim brothers and sisters is a fantastic way for the community to come together.” This sentiment reverberated throughout the evening, where families enjoyed traditional Moroccan dishes at the Oberoi Marrakech. The atmosphere was filled with joy, laughter, and of course, delicious food.
As guests feasted on Moroccan tagines, fresh bread, and pastries under the warm evening sky, a light-hearted moment interrupted the solemnity of iftar. Sounds of the ‘Macarena’ and other nostalgic tunes filled the air, showcasing a blend of cultures and a reminder that Ramadan is also about joy and togetherness.
Overall, these varied expressions of Ramadan highlight not only observance through fasting but also the depth of compassion, community spirit, and cultural appreciation shared across different regions. Whether through organized meal distributions in Jeddah, spontaneous celebrations on cricket fields, or vibrant gatherings in Marrakech, the essence of Ramadan is profoundly lived through acts of kindness and joy.
