The Ministry of Islamic Affairs launches the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' program to provide Iftar meals for fasting people in South Africa
As part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's ongoing humanitarian and outreach efforts to serve Muslims worldwide, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, represented by the Religious Attaché at the Kingdom's Embassy in the Republic of South Africa, has launched the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' programs for providing iftar meals and distributing premium dates for the year 1445 AH. The inauguration ceremony took place at the Kingdom's Embassy in Pretoria, in the presence of the Religious Attaché, Engineer Mohammed bin Abdul Salam Al-Ruwaili, and a number of Islamic and diplomatic figures, imams of mosques, and heads of Islamic associations and centers.
Distribution details and beneficiary numbers
The Ministry unveiled a comprehensive distribution plan aimed at reaching the largest possible segment of those in need, with a total of 24 tons of dates allocated for distribution. The Republic of South Africa received the largest share, with 15 tons, benefiting approximately 60,000 people. Reflecting the program's inclusiveness towards neighboring countries, 3 tons were allocated to each of the Kingdom of Lesotho, the Republic of Botswana, and the Kingdom of Eswatini, bringing the total number of beneficiaries of the dates program in these four countries to approximately 96,000, thus contributing to meeting the needs of Muslim families during the holy month.
Humanitarian dimensions and the Kingdom's leading role
These programs are not limited to simply providing food aid; rather, they represent an extension of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's leading role in the Islamic world. These initiatives embody the Kingdom's noble mission of promoting the values of social solidarity and compassion among Muslims, especially during the blessed month of Ramadan. These annual programs are part of a comprehensive strategy adopted by the wise leadership—may God support them—to address the needs of Muslims worldwide and to reaffirm the bonds of brotherhood that unite the Kingdom with the peoples of the African continent.
Iftar tables... a reinforcement of the spirit of brotherhood
Alongside the distribution of dates, the program includes the implementation of a project to provide iftar meals for fasting Muslims in various cities and regions of South Africa. This initiative aims to feed approximately 10,000 men and women throughout the holy month. These communal meals foster unity among Muslims and strengthen social bonds, creating a unique spiritual and faith-filled atmosphere befitting the sanctity of Ramadan.
Saudi efforts widely praised
For his part, Religious Attaché Mohammed Al-Ruwaili affirmed that the launch of these programs comes in implementation of the directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, and with close follow-up from His Excellency the Minister of Islamic Affairs, to ensure that aid reaches those who deserve it with the highest quality standards. This initiative was met with widespread welcome and deep gratitude from representatives of Islamic organizations and da'wah centers in South Africa and neighboring countries, who highly commended the Kingdom's generous contributions and honorable stances in supporting Islamic and humanitarian causes, praying to God to protect the Kingdom and its leadership and perpetuate its blessings of security and prosperity.
