Ramadan: 23 tonnes of dates to be distributed in Africa, benefitting 70,000 Muslims

At least 23 tonnes of luxury dates, benefitting about 70 000 Muslims during the holy month of Ramadan, will be distributed globally, in South Africa and surrounding countries across the African continent.

The Religious Attaché and Royal Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia made the announcement on Friday at the Sheraton Hotel in Pretoria.

The initiative is part of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s gift programme for distributing what it calls “break-fast” food for fasting people during Ramadan.

During Ramadan, Muslims worldwide usually break their fast with a date or a glass of Zam Zam water from Makkah in Saudi Arabia followed by some savouries, a meal, and sweet delicacies after the night prayer at the mosque.

Dates to assist those in need

Saudi Arabia’s Religious Attaché’s Mohammad Ashour said the programme to assist those in need during Ramadan has resumed following the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The programme will cover more cities and countries affiliated with the Religious Attaché’s office.

“Five tonnes of luxurious dates were allocated to the Republic of South Africa and the countries that are close to it. Another five tonnes was allocated to the Republic of Zambia, ten tonnes to the republic of Mozambique, and three tonnes to Mauritius and the countries close to it, summing up to a total of 23 tonnes and the beneficiaries are 70,000 Muslims in 13 countries,” Ashour said.

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Expansive programme

Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to South Africa Sultan al Angari said the gift programme is expansive and serves Muslims across the globe.

“The programme embodies the Kingdom’s nobleness as it has been serving Islam and Muslims during the month of Ramadan.

“These programmes also show the interest of the leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in everything that touches the needs of Muslims to allow them to perform their obligations of fasting,” Al Angari said.

Well wishes

Both Al Angari and Ashour wished all Muslims in South Africa and throughout the world a wonderful and blessed Ramadan.

Ramadan

Ramadan in South Africa officially started on Thursday with Muslims beginning the first fast on Friday.

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk usually having a predawn meal before the fast begins.

Once the fast starts, Muslims are not allowed to eat a morsel of food or even take a sip of water until sunset when they break their fast.

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