Launch of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' program to provide Iftar meals for fasting people in Kazakhstan 2024
In an atmosphere of faith reflecting the deep fraternal ties between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, represented by the Religious Attaché at the Embassy of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, launched the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' program for providing Iftar meals and distributing dates for the year 1445 AH. The launch ceremony was held at the Grand Republican Mosque in the capital, Astana, which is the largest mosque in Central Asia and one of the most prominent modern Islamic landmarks in the world.
Program details and beneficiary numbers
This year, the program witnessed a significant expansion in both the volume of aid and the number of beneficiaries. Fifteen tons of premium dates were allocated for distribution in Kazakhstan, an increase of five tons compared to last year, reflecting the Saudi leadership's commitment to reaching as many people in need as possible. The program aims to distribute these dates to over 60,000 beneficiaries across 17 regions and provinces throughout the country. In parallel with the date distribution, the Iftar (breaking the fast) project targets approximately 3,000 fasting individuals in the cities of Astana and Almaty, contributing to the observance of Ramadan and strengthening social solidarity.
High-level diplomatic and religious presence
The inauguration ceremony was attended by the Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to Kazakhstan, Mr. Faisal bin Hanif Al-Qahtani, the Deputy Grand Mufti of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Sheikh Kenjitay Baikimeluly, the Religious Attaché at the Embassy, Mr. Talal bin Dhaifallah Al-Maliki, along with a number of officials and prominent Islamic figures. In a statement, Ambassador Al-Qahtani affirmed that these programs embody the Kingdom's leading role in serving Islam and Muslims, praising the significant efforts exerted by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, under the leadership of His Excellency Minister Dr. Abdul Latif bin Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh, to directly oversee the implementation of these initiatives according to the highest standards.
Historical background and strategic relationships
This event is not merely a seasonal occurrence, but rather an extension of close strategic relations that have been significantly strengthened in recent years. Observers recall the historic visit of His Excellency the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr. Abdul Latif Al-Sheikh, to Kazakhstan in 2022, where he participated in the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions. His visit resulted in the launch of the first international Quran memorization competition in Kazakhstan, with the participation of 21 countries. That visit laid the foundation for deeper religious and cultural cooperation, making the current Ramadan programs an annual tradition eagerly awaited by Muslims in Kazakhstan as a precious gift from the land of the Two Holy Mosques.
The global dimension of the initiative
The launch of the program in Kazakhstan is part of a global humanitarian effort led by the Kingdom, where the Ministry of Islamic Affairs is implementing a date distribution program in 120 countries worldwide and a program to provide iftar meals for fasting Muslims in 70 countries during the holy month of Ramadan this year. These impressive figures underscore the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to its noble mission of addressing the needs of Muslims around the world, building bridges of communication and love, and reaffirming its position as the beating heart of the Islamic world.
