The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' gift to Russia: distributing dates and providing iftar meals for 10,000 fasting people
As part of the ongoing efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to serve Islam and Muslims around the world, and in confirmation of its leading role in promoting the values of social solidarity and compassion during the holy month of Ramadan, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call and Guidance, represented by the Embassy of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in the Russian Federation, launched the annual programs dedicated to distributing dates and providing Iftar meals for fasting people.
This generous initiative comes in implementation of the directives of the wise leadership, as the Ministry has begun distributing the "Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Gift" of premium dates, weighing a total of 5 tons. This program aims to reach more than 10,000 beneficiaries across 10 different provinces and regions in the Russian Federation, reflecting the program's comprehensiveness and the Kingdom's commitment to reaching Muslims in all corners of the world.
Inauguration ceremony and diplomatic attendance
The official launch ceremony for the program took place at the Saudi Embassy in Moscow, attended by the Deputy Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the Russian Federation, Ahmed Al-Khamis, and the Embassy's Islamic Affairs Officer, Abdulaziz Al-Harbi. Also participating were the Second Deputy Chairman of the Religious Administration of Muslims of the Russian Federation, Dr. Eldar Aliyev, and the Kingdom's Religious Attaché to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bandar Al-Zaid, reflecting the significant official and diplomatic interest in this occasion.
In a related development, specifically on the third day of the holy month of Ramadan, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' program for providing iftar meals to fasting Muslims was launched at the Martyrs' Mosque in Moscow. This spiritual event was attended by a number of prominent Islamic figures, including the First Deputy Chairman of the Religious Administration of Muslims of Russia, Mufti Sheikh Rushan Abbasov, and the mosque's imam and preacher, Dr. Asad Imaduddin.
The Kingdom's message: solidarity and moderation
Commenting on the event, the embassy's Islamic Affairs Officer, Abdulaziz Al-Harbi, emphasized that these programs are not merely in-kind assistance, but rather a message of love and solidarity. He stated, "The launch of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Iftar project for fasting Muslims in Moscow is an extension of strengthening the bonds of brotherhood and solidarity with Muslims worldwide. It reflects the values of mercy and mutual support upon which our true religion is founded, contributing to the rejection of extremism and violence, and the achievement of moderation and balance.".
The global dimension of the initiative
It is worth noting that these programs in Russia are part of a massive global humanitarian effort overseen by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, under the direct supervision of Minister Sheikh Dr. Abdul Latif bin Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh. The Ministry is implementing a date distribution program in 120 countries and a program to provide iftar meals for fasting individuals in 70 countries worldwide during the current month of Ramadan.
This geographical expansion carries profound implications that affirm the Kingdom’s status as a destination for Muslims and a guardian of their interests, and its constant keenness to understand their needs and share with them the joy of the holy month, which enhances the Kingdom’s soft power and consolidates its mental image as a kingdom of humanity and giving.
