The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' program for providing Iftar meals to fasting people is launched in South Africa

The program was launched in South Africa

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the Religious Attaché at the Kingdom's Embassy in the Republic of South Africa, announced the commencement of the "Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Program for Iftar (breaking the fast) for Fasting People" and the "Dates Distribution Program" for the year 1445 AH. The two programs were officially launched at the embassy headquarters in Pretoria, in the presence of the Religious Attaché, Mohammed Al-Rusaini, along with a number of officials, imams of mosques, and representatives of Islamic centers and associations in the region.

The program includes the distribution of large quantities of premium dates, with 15 tons allocated to South Africa alone, benefiting approximately 60,000 people. The program also extends to neighboring countries, with 3 tons allocated to each of Lesotho, Botswana, and Eswatini. This brings the total distributed to 24 tons, benefiting approximately 96,000 Muslims in these four countries. In addition, the program includes a project to provide iftar meals for fasting individuals in South Africa, aiming to supply meals to around 10,000 people throughout the holy month of Ramadan.

Historical background and global context

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' program for providing iftar meals and distributing dates is one of the long-established humanitarian and religious initiatives launched annually by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan. These programs date back decades and have become an integral part of the Kingdom's religious and humanitarian diplomacy. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs implements these programs in dozens of countries around the world through the Kingdom's embassies and religious attachés, aiming to reach millions of Muslims across different continents. This initiative reflects the Kingdom's leading role in serving Islam and Muslims and embodies the values ​​of solidarity and generosity encouraged by Islam, especially during Ramadan, the month of goodness and blessings.

Importance and expected impact

The implementation of this program is of paramount importance at the local, regional, and international levels. Locally, in South Africa and the beneficiary countries, the program helps alleviate the financial burden on needy families and provides them with a vital source of food for their iftar meal. It also strengthens social bonds within the Muslim community through communal iftar meals, fostering brotherhood and compassion. Internationally, these initiatives enhance the positive image of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a nation that supports charitable and humanitarian work worldwide. They underscore its noble mission of serving the causes of Muslims and extending a helping hand to them wherever they may be, thus solidifying its position as the heart of the Islamic world.

Thanks and appreciation for the Kingdom's efforts

For his part, Religious Attaché Mohammed Al-Rasini affirmed that the implementation of these two programs stems from the ongoing care and attention given by the wise leadership of the Kingdom, under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, to Muslims across the globe. In turn, representatives of Islamic organizations and centers in South Africa and neighboring countries expressed their profound gratitude and appreciation to the Kingdom's leadership for these generous humanitarian initiatives, which embody the Kingdom's deep concern for their Muslim brothers and sisters and its commitment to addressing their needs during the holy month.