MUMBAI: Since the beginning of Ramzan on March 2, around 1,000 women assemble every evening at a maidan outside All India Memon Jamat Federation's office on Mohammed Ali Road to break their fast. The federation, an umbrella organization of over 500 jamats in the country, provides free iftar boxes containing snacks, fruits, dates, and 1 litre of chilled bottled water for the rozedars. Perhaps nowhere in the country is such an arrangement made exclusively for women.
These women are not poor or deprived but are well-off individuals, often with toddlers in tow, who travel to the Mohammed Ali Road, Crawford Market, and Bhendi Bazar areas from far-off suburbs for Ramzan and Eid shopping but cannot reach home in time for iftar. "They are from well-to-do families and have enough money to buy iftar, but cannot eat it comfortably because of the huge rush in the markets throughout the holy month. We provide them hygienically prepared snacks and fresh fruits to break their fast," said Iqbal Memon Officer, president of the All India Memon Jamat Federation.
Officer noted the expectation of around 1,000 women daily, though the numbers often swell to 1,200. Overwhelmed by the gesture, Mumbra resident Arifa Begum expressed her gratitude: "I have come with my three sisters and two sisters-in-law. We are so thankful that we can break our fast comfortably at this place. We would have faced difficulty had they not provided it." The initiative, which began in 2017, was halted during the pandemic. Officer shared the genesis of this plan: "One Ramzan, I was late for iftar at home and, while going from the office, I saw many women standing in the middle of the road and breaking their roza. I was pained seeing it and discussed with other members of the federation about starting this service. A few were reluctant initially, but finally, we began."
Sometimes, philanthropists sponsor the iftar for a day and this service has been widely appreciated. Last week, Pune paediatrician Dr. Sarfraz Memon visited the facility. "I have traveled extensively, but this is a first-of-its-kind initiative. As a doctor, I was more pleased to see women being given safe, bottled water. The happiness I saw on their face gladdened my heart," he remarked. Mangalore businessman Salim Ahmed Khan, who also visited the ground, said, "The fact that this meticulous arrangement of iftar is exclusively for women who are not beggars makes it very important. The poor get zakat (2.5% of the annual saving Muslims give to charity), but these women will never ask anyone to give them iftar boxes. This is a wonderful initiative and other cities too should replicate it."
In Qatar, the Ministry of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs continues health awareness and guidance programs at its iftar tents. According to an official statement from Awqaf, these programs aim to provide comprehensive support to fasting individuals during Ramadan. Collaborating with Al Abeer Medical Centre, the initiative seeks to strengthen community partnerships and spread health awareness among workers. Mohammed Yaqoub al-Ali, Chairman of the Iftar Committee at Awqaf, stated that the tents are witnessing a large turnout of fasting individuals this year.
Iftar tents are set up at various locations across Qatar, expected to welcome over 300,000 fasting individuals throughout Ramadan. Notably, one tent at the Industrial Area receives 1,900 persons daily and also hosts medical awareness programs. Al-Ali highlighted that these programs guide those fasting on best practices during fasting hours, especially focusing on educating individuals with chronic diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure on fasting safely. "The role of iftar tents goes beyond providing iftar meals but extends to include health awareness and education ensuring that fasting is safe and healthy for everyone," he emphasized.
The medical expert provides direct awareness and important health advice focusing on symptoms that individuals may experience while fasting, such as dizziness, dehydration, and fluctuations in blood sugar. Furthermore, the awareness program includes significant nutritional guidelines. The doctor stresses the importance of drinking sufficient amounts of water between Iftar and Suhoor, eating balanced meals, and avoiding excessive consumption of sugars and fats, which could negatively affect health during fasting.
The health awareness program is highly interactive, with fasting workers inquiring about various symptoms they encounter during fasting. Al-Ali affirmed that Awqaf seeks to promote the concept of integrated health during Ramadan. "Through such programs, we look to guide fasting individuals to adopt healthy eating habits and behaviors," he concluded, emphasizing the collective effort to ensure that fasting remains healthy and safe for everyone involved.
