Saudi Arabia launches programs to provide iftar meals for fasting people and distribute dates in Zimbabwe
As part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing humanitarian efforts to serve Islam and Muslims worldwide, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, represented by its Religious Attaché in South Africa, implemented the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ programs for distributing dates and providing iftar meals for fasting individuals in the Republic of Zimbabwe. This initiative coincided with the holy month of Ramadan 1447 AH, embodying the Kingdom’s noble mission of strengthening Islamic brotherhood and social solidarity.
Inauguration ceremony and official attendance
The inauguration ceremony was held on Monday, the 6th of Ramadan, 1447 AH, at the Quran Mosque in the Adbeni neighborhood of Harare, the capital city. The event was attended by a notable number of prominent Islamic figures and da'wah leaders in Zimbabwe, including Sheikh Marouf Ali, President of the Islamic Da'wah Association; Sheikh Laja Yassinu, President of the Al-Noor Islamic Education Association; Sheikh Ibrahim Brian Sokany, President of the Mount Darwin Association; Sheikh Issa Colin, President of the Business Association for Culture and Development; and the preacher Shoaib Asali. This reflects the great importance that local Islamic organizations attach to these Saudi initiatives.
Program figures and statistics
The current iteration of the program targets a broad segment of Zimbabwean society, allocating a substantial quantity of premium dates (3 tons), expected to benefit over 12,000 people. Simultaneously, a Ramadan Iftar program has been launched, aiming to provide meals for 2,000 fasting individuals, thus addressing the needs of many families and fostering a spiritually enriching atmosphere during the holy month.
The Kingdom's global message: Giving without limits
These programs are not limited to Zimbabwe; rather, they are part of a comprehensive system overseen by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs under the direct guidance of the wise leadership. The Ministry implements the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' program for distributing dates in 120 countries worldwide, and the Iftar program for fasting Muslims in 70 countries. These figures underscore the leading role of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as the Qibla of Muslims and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and its constant commitment to addressing the needs of Muslims across different continents, especially during major religious seasons.
Praise and appreciation for Saudi efforts
During the ceremony, Sheikh Issa Colin, Chairman of the Business Association for Culture and Development, delivered a moving speech expressing his profound gratitude to the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, led by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman – may God protect them both. Colin commended the Kingdom's tremendous efforts in serving Islam and Muslims, and praised the meticulous oversight of His Excellency the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, Sheikh Dr. Abdul Latif bin Abdulaziz Al Sheikh, in ensuring that this aid reaches those who deserve it and that the programs are implemented to the fullest extent.
