The Kingdom's ambassador to Russia praises the dates and Iftar programs for fasting people
The Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the Russian Federation, Sami Al-Sudhan, praised the exceptional efforts of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance in implementing the Dates Program and the Iftar (breaking the fast)program, both of which are among the Kingdom's distinguished programs launched annually during the holy month of Ramadan. The Ambassador affirmed that these efforts reflect the wise leadership's keenness to address the needs of Muslims across the globe and embody the Kingdom's noble mission of serving Islam and Muslims.
The Kingdom's noble message and history of giving
These initiatives are part of a long history of Saudi Arabia, which, since its founding, has consistently extended a helping hand to Muslims worldwide, particularly during major religious seasons such as the holy month of Ramadan. These programs are not merely fleeting acts of charity, but rather an integral part of a steadfast strategy aimed at strengthening the bonds of Islamic brotherhood. The Kingdom is a global leader in providing humanitarian and religious services, and the Ministry of Islamic Affairs annually expands these programs to encompass different continents, underscoring the Kingdom's leading role as the heart of the Muslim world and a guardian of its interests.
The importance and impact of the dates and iftar programs for fasting people
The implementation of the Dates and Iftar programs in a country like the Russian Federation is of particular importance, given the large Muslim population there and the role these initiatives play in fostering cultural and civilizational exchange. Beyond the religious and spiritual impact of reviving the tradition of breaking the fast, these programs play a pivotal role in strengthening diplomatic and people-to-people relations between the two countries. They also resonate positively within Russian society, showcasing the enlightened image of Islam based on solidarity and compassion, and reinforcing the shared human values that the Kingdom seeks to promote globally.
An extension of the well-established humanitarian approach
Ambassador Al-Sadhan explained that the two programs are an extension of the Kingdom's longstanding humanitarian approach, under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince – may God protect them – in consolidating the values of solidarity and compassion, and strengthening the bonds of brotherhood among peoples. He noted that the distribution of dates and the provision of iftar meals for fasting Muslims in several Russian cities were widely welcomed by religious leaders and members of the Muslim community, who expressed their gratitude for this generous gesture.
Global efforts by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs
Ambassador Al-Sadhan commended the significant role played by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, under the leadership of His Excellency Minister Sheikh Dr. Abdul Latif bin Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh, in expanding these programs to include more than 120 countries worldwide during the holy month of Ramadan. He noted that this expansion reflects the Kingdom's leading role in Islamic and humanitarian work and underscores its positive and influential presence on the international stage. He added that these programs have a tangible impact on strengthening the spirit of solidarity and compassion among members of the Muslim community in Russia and reinforcing the values of Islamic brotherhood.
The ambassador concluded his statement by emphasizing that the Kingdom’s initiatives are not limited to relief efforts alone, but extend to nourishing the spirit, deepening faith values, and building bridges of human and cultural communication between peoples, asking God to protect the Kingdom and its leadership and perpetuate the blessing of security and stability upon it.
