The month of Ramadan brings with it great community spirit and is filled with acts of devotion and generosity. Around the time of sunset each day, Muslims open their fast and community Iftars (fast-break) take place in homes, restaurants, mosques and community centres. The community Iftar tradition occurs all around the world and is a joyous moment for every locality.
In the Arab world, and in Egypt in particular, the tradition of community Iftars has its own unique flavour. Known as Ma’idat al-Rahman (Table of the Merciful), which means tables filled with donated food made especially in Ramadan seeking God’s reward. Tables of the merciful are charity Ramadan tables set up in the mosques and on the streets. A few people living in the neighbourhood, who are usually well off, make food available to anyone for free. Ramadan puts everybody on the same level. Rich or poor, everybody fasts and everybody must have Iftar, as it is the most important meal of the day. Around each district of Cairo, tables of the merciful take place. From people living on the streets to tourists, the tables of the merciful welcome whomever wants to eat.
In the United Kingdom, mosques around the country have always prepared and offered community Iftars. This year, national campaigns and projects have come to light encouraging community Iftars to take place welcoming members of other communities and backgrounds too in order to build on community cohesion and friendships. The Big Iftar (www.thebigiftar.com) has grown as a national symbol and a special Iftar on June 10th has been encouraged by One Britain One Nation (www.onebritainonenation.com) to mark the Queen’s 90th birthday in a symbol of national pride and unity. Both these campaigns have been supported by the umbrella body, the British Muslim Forum, which has encouraged its member mosques to take part and organise these community Iftars.
The United Kingdom Branch of the World Association for Al-Azhar Graduates (WAAG UK) has welcomed these initiatives and called on its member scholars and Imams to relay the significance of these community Iftars. The Vice-President of WAAG UK, Bakhtyar Pirzada al-Azhari, said: “No doubt, all Muslims hold community Iftars, but the spirit of Egypt’s community Iftars that take place in and around Al-Azhar aptly called Ma’idat al-Rahman (Table of the Merciful) is unique in being open and welcoming to all. It is so great to see that mosques around the UK are opening their doors wider and welcoming all communities to their Iftars. These are much needed initiatives and WAAG UK supports and encourages this display of great Muslim character.”
