Iftar is one of the religious observances of Ramadan around sunset. It is usually carried out as a community, with people gathering to break their fast together at sunset. Any lawful (Halal) food is allowed for this purpose but fasting Muslims traditionally start their Iftar with dates/water just as prescribed by the Holy Prophet [pbuh].
“If any one of you is fasting, let him break his fast with dates. In case he does not have them, then with water” [Hadith]
Though, fasting Muslims are admonished not to delay the breaking of their fast once the sunset. All the same, Iftar is not to be rushed through. And this is the more reasons why fasting Muslims are advised to start Iftar with dates, serving as an appetizer before the major meal.
“The most pleasant of my servants is he who hastens to break his fast quickly.” [Hadith]
In the light of the above, we have explored this very interesting aspect of Ramadan to create a unique nutrition outdoor event under myRamadan healthcare project tagged “Iftar Starter Share”. The aim is to show strong care and concerns for fasting Muslims in our target segment, create shared moment of meritorious good deed for participants and bring social responsibility into religious consciousness for all and sundry.
“Allah will give you the reward of feeding a fasting person even if you were to give him just a sip of milk, a date, or a sip of water.” [Hadith]
Iftar Starter Share is an alternative form of Iftar outside the norm, specially designed to provide short break for fasting Muslims in transit during Iftar (Breaking of fast). Basically, we share nutritious food packs containing date, water and ample of refreshments to fasting Muslims that are stuck in traffic and stranded at bus-stops during Iftar , helping them to break their fast without delay, and with halal/healthy food choices as prescribed by the Holy Prophet [pbuh].
We have held this event successfully in the last two years with great support from kind individuals and socially responsible organizations. We have shared over 5,000 Iftar Starter Packs to the targeted beneficiaries, and created an atmosphere of fun and excitements at each location through a simple act of sharing refreshment packs to fasting individuals during Iftar.
The general opinion is that Iftar Starter Share is a kind of positive change that everyone wants to see in our faith, going by the wonderful notes we often receive from beneficiaries as well as the golden feelings expressed by everyone that has ever experienced the event firsthand (Muslim and non-Muslins alike). These serve as huge source of inspiration for us, and give us a new sense of purpose towards this project, especially as regard its social impact and benefits
It’s yet another exciting season of Ramadan, and we are glad to have recorded even greater success at this year’s event. We have a leading food and beverage company as a major partner (Rite Foods Limited), we have covered more locations at increased frequency (Ojodu-Berger, Alausa-Agidingbi-Ikeja, Maryland-Onigbongbo-Mende, Surulere-Iponri-Alaka, Victoria Island/Environs and still counting), and we have got ample of halal/healthy refreshments to nourish our targets. Also, the fun and excitement have been heightened considerably with new kick-off proceedings and cap off activities, couple with media mentioning across multiple media platforms (iBeautyTV, Aledeh.com, BeBlessed on Eko 87.5fm). Alhamdulillah, we are very excited moving things forward in this direction, and making Iftar Starter Share a fulfilling creation.
This idea is not only fast growing in appeal and acceptance, with various Muslim communities calling for participation but also quick to attract strong partners/prospective sponsors’ interest based on its social impact and marketing potentials. By this development, we hope to do more, delivering a higher standard of work and greater success in the seasons ahead. Also, we hope to make the event an effective PR/marketing tool for discerning organizations (public and private) that might be interested in reaching out to Muslims in Ramadan or achieve a wide range of marketing/business objectives through this platform.
Today, we have seen how well-envisioned ideas have built big communities of men across the world through passion and activities that impact on lives, create positive values and promote peaceful co-existence among men. Similarly, this fresh, inspiring and noble idea will continue to explore reasonable contemporary methods and smart creative tools in achieving the same set of goals, using Ramadan as a motivation.
To us, season is nothing if it doesn’t produce a change. This is our believe, and this project will give nothing less. Now, there is something exciting for everyone in Ramadan, and we can always look forward to a season with a difference. It is our sincere hope that Iftar Starter Share will grow beyond our expectation to become a signature event capable of surviving in multiple culture and today’s constantly changing world.
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