Saudi Arabia To Provide Dates And Iftar Meals In South Africa This Ramadan
In a significant gesture of goodwill, the religious attaché at the Saudi embassy in South Africa initiated the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' gift programs on Saturday. These programs, aimed at distributing dates and iftar meals, are set to benefit Muslims in South Africa and other nations accredited by the embassy during the holy month of Ramadan 1445 Hijri. The launch event saw the presence of Chargé d'affaires at the Saudi embassy Advisor Ali Najmi, Religious Attaché Eng. Mohammed Ashour, alongside several leaders of Islamic associations and centers, and preachers.
Eng. Mohammed Ashour outlined that these initiatives would extend across most cities and countries under the embassy's accreditation. A total of 40 tons of dates have been earmarked for distribution across various countries. The allocation includes six tons for South Africa, five each for Zambia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Malawi, three each for Mauritius, Angola, Botswana, and Namibia, with two tons designated for Eswatini.

These efforts are anticipated to reach over 90,000 Muslims, reflecting the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance's ongoing commitment to supporting Muslim communities globally, especially during Ramadan. The gesture has been met with profound appreciation from Islamic figures in South Africa. They expressed their heartfelt thanks to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its leadership for their continuous support and dedication to serving Muslims worldwide through such impactful programs.
| Country | Tons of Dates Allocated |
|---|---|
| South Africa | 6 |
| Zambia | 5 |
| Mozambique | 5 |
| Mauritius | 3 |
| Zimbabwe | 5 |
| Malawi | 5 |
| Angola | 3 |
| Botswana | 3 |
| Namibia | 3 |
| Eswatini | 2 |
The distribution of dates and iftar meals underlines the Kingdom's dedication to fostering a sense of community and support among Muslims during one of the most sacred periods in the Islamic calendar. This initiative not only aids in meeting the physical needs of fasting individuals but also strengthens spiritual bonds within the Muslim Ummah globally.
The Kingdom's efforts are a testament to its role as a leading nation in providing humanitarian aid and support to Muslim communities worldwide. The appreciation expressed by Islamic leaders in South Africa underscores the significant impact of these programs in enhancing the lives of many during Ramadan.
With inputs from SPA