Preserving blessings: 22,000 Iftar meals at the Prophet's Mosque during Ramadan

0 4 2 minutes

A blessed Ramadan initiative in the vicinity of the Prophet's Mosque

In a vivid embodiment of the values of solidarity and generosity that characterize the holy month of Ramadan, the “Preserving Blessings” Association in Madinah announced its outstanding efforts in serving visitors and worshippers at the Prophet’s Mosque. During the first five days of Ramadan 1445 AH, the association successfully collected and distributed over 22,638 complete iftar meals from surplus food, in an initiative aimed at maximizing the benefit from blessings and reducing food waste in one of Islam’s holiest sites.

Historical background and the importance of preserving blessings

The tradition of providing iftar meals for fasting Muslims in the Two Holy Mosques is a deeply rooted Islamic custom dating back centuries. Philanthropists and charitable individuals compete to offer iftar meals to the millions of worshippers and visitors who flock to Mecca and Medina during the holy month. With such massive numbers, managing surplus food becomes a critical challenge. This is where initiatives like those undertaken by the "Hifz Al-Ni'mah" (Preservation of Blessings) Association come into play. Inspired by Islamic teachings that encourage gratitude for blessings and prohibit extravagance, the association acts as a structured link between food providers and recipients, ensuring that surplus food reaches those in need in the best possible way and with dignity.

Details of the efforts and their societal impact

The association's efforts were not limited to main meals; they also included a wide range of food items that were collected, repackaged, and distributed according to the highest food safety standards. The detailed results for the first five days included the following:

22,638 Breakfast.
17,250 A container of yogurt.
17,172 A bottle of water.
98,777 A bread packet.
15,796 Date envelope.
16,185 Precision envelope.
15,596 A package of maamoul cookies.
1,900 A packet of pastries.

The total value of these materials was estimated at over 203,742 Saudi Riyals. Behind this achievement stood a dedicated team of 160 volunteers, who contributed a total of 2,509 volunteer hours, utilizing 8 equipped vehicles and 250 bags to ensure efficient collection and distribution.

Strategic importance and alignment with Vision 2030

This initiative transcends being merely a seasonal act of charity, becoming a model for sustainable resource management and community development. Locally, these efforts foster a spirit of solidarity and volunteerism among the residents of Madinah. Nationally, this initiative aligns directly with the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, particularly the “Vibrant Society” pillar, which aims to increase the number of volunteers and maximize the social impact of the non-profit sector. It also serves the goals of the “Serving the Guests of God” program by enhancing the quality of services provided to visitors of the Two Holy Mosques. Internationally, through these initiatives, the Kingdom presents a shining example of the exceptional care it provides to pilgrims and offers a practical model for the Islamic world on how to manage large religious gatherings with a high degree of environmental and social responsibility.