Iftar meals for fasting people at the Grand Mosque in Mecca: Record numbers and integrated services during Ramadan
A scene of faith and massive organizational efforts within the precincts of the Grand Mosque
With the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan, the courtyards of the Grand Mosque in Mecca transform into a unique tableau of faith, where millions of hearts from all corners of the earth converge. At the heart of this scene stands the Iftar system, one of the largest communal feeding operations in the world, embodying the highest ideals of solidarity and generosity deeply rooted in Islamic culture and the long-standing Saudi traditions of serving the guests of God.
Historical background: From individual initiatives to an institutional system
The Iftar tables in the Grand Mosque in Mecca are not a recent phenomenon, but rather an extension of a long historical tradition of honoring visitors and pilgrims. Since ancient times, the people of Mecca and philanthropists have competed to provide Iftar meals individually and spontaneously. With the increasing number of visitors to the Grand Mosque and the development of services provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, these initiatives have evolved into a comprehensive institutional effort overseen by the General Authority for the Care of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque. This system aims to ensure that Iftar meals reach those who need them in an organized manner that preserves the sanctity of the place, guarantees the safety and health of those fasting, and facilitates the movement of the millions of pilgrims.
Iftar meals for fasting people in numbers: A qualitative leap in the month of Ramadan
Official statistics released by the authority revealed the immense scale of the operational efforts undertaken. During Ramadan, the average number of iftar meals distributed daily reaches approximately 220,000, and can exceed a quarter of a million meals on peak days. This figure represents a significant increase compared to the rest of the year; the average number of meals distributed on regular fasting days (such as Mondays and Thursdays) is around 35,000, while it drops to about 7,000 on other days. This substantial difference reflects the scale of the logistical and organizational preparations specifically dedicated to the holy month to accommodate the large influx of worshippers and pilgrims from within the Kingdom and abroad.
Importance and impact: A humanitarian message to the world
The significance of the Iftar project extends far beyond simply providing food. Locally, it strengthens the values of community solidarity and encourages volunteerism and charitable giving among citizens and residents. Internationally, it sends a powerful message of Islamic hospitality and reflects the Kingdom's civilized image in serving Muslims worldwide. Furthermore, this human gathering around Iftar tables transcends differences of nationality and ethnicity, uniting the hearts of Muslims in the holiest places on earth and reinforcing the sense of brotherhood and Islamic unity.
Governance and precise organization to serve the guests of God
To ensure smooth operations and adherence to the highest standards of quality and safety, the Authority has established clear regulations and mechanisms for participating in providing Iftar meals. In this context, the Authority announced the closure of applications for Iftar travel permits for Ramadan 1447 AH, after having made applications available to individuals and non-profit organizations through specialized electronic platforms such as “Ihsan” and “Nusk.” The regulations specify the number of meals permitted per applicant, along with strict requirements related to food safety and distribution methods, thus ensuring a safe and comfortable spiritual experience for all visitors to the Grand Mosque.
