40 tonnes of dates to be distributed in Africa, benefitting 90,000 Muslims
Forty tonnes of luxury dates, benefitting about 90 000 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 said on Wednesday
This is almost double the mount of dates that was distributed last year.
The Religious Attaché and Royal Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia made the announcement at the Sheraton Hotel in Pretoria which was attended by a number of guests.
Initiative
The initiative which falls under the supervision of the Minister of Islamic Affairs Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Al-Sheikh 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.
I’m at the gift program of the
— 𝙵𝚊𝚒𝚣𝚎𝚕 𝙿𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚕 ⚡️ (@FaizelPatel143) March 6, 2024
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to distribute dates & Ramadan break-fast feeding. This is a such a beautiful initiative to assist those in need. May Allah reward all those involved. @KSAembassyza #SaudiArabja pic.twitter.com/LQSQIJo2l1
More luxury dates
Saudi Arabia’s Religious Attaché’s Mohammad Ashour said dates will be distributed to more cities affiliated to the Religious Attaché.
“Five tonnes to Zambia and Mozambique, three tonnes to Mauritius, five tonnes to Zimbabwe and Malawi, three tonnes to Angola, Botswana and Namibia and two tonnes to eSwatini for a total of 40 tonnes of dates
“The number of beneficiaries from the programmes is more than 90 000 Muslims,” Ashour said.
Saudi Arabia’s Chargé d’Affaires to South Africa Ali Najme said the gift programme is one of the many initiatives of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“This programme is to support our Muslim brother and sisters worldwide during the month of Ramadan and making it easier for them.”
Both Najme and Ashour wished all Muslims in South Africa and throughout the world a wonderful and blessed Ramadan.
Food hampers
Last week, humanitarian organisations including the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) also came to the aid households in South Africa, distributing over ten thousand food hampers to assist them during the month of fasting.
The project aims to distribute about 10,500 Food Hampers, each weighing approximately 30 kg containing essential food items to suffice a household up to a month. It is estimated that around 63,000 individuals will benefit from this project in several regions among others, Gauteng, Limpopo, Free State and Mpumalanga.
The gift program of the
— 𝙵𝚊𝚒𝚣𝚎𝚕 𝙿𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚕 ⚡️ (@FaizelPatel143) March 6, 2024
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to distribute dates & Ramadan break-fast feeding. #SaudArabia @KSAembassyza @Saudi_MoiaEN pic.twitter.com/g6uEzdTBQY
Ramadan in South Africa
The month of Ramadan in South Africa is expected to officially start next week Saturday, 9 March , with Muslims beginning the first fast on Sunday, depending on the sighting of the moon.
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.
ALSO READ: Over 60 000 South Africans benefit from food hampers
