ISLAMABAD – Social solidarity during the month of fasting varies in Pakistan, ranging from aid distributed by the government to the poor and needy, to those initiated by individuals or charities, as well as tables of mercy that are scattered in the streets and mosques throughout the holy month.
As sunset approaches, you see many communal iftars that are very popular, especially from the poor and workers, in a country that is suffering from stifling economic and living hardship.
Hope for the poor and needy
These iftars, whether in the streets or at the tables of Rahman in mosques, are a tradition in Pakistani society and reflect one of the forms of solidarity among its members during the holy month.
Street iftars attract poor Pakistanis who cannot afford daily iftar meals during the fasting month, as well as workers and employees who come from villages to major cities such as the capital Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar in search of jobs, or some university students.
Street Iftars in Islamabad attract poor class and workers who come from villages to major cities (island)
These collective iftars are often organized by local NGOs, or by donors seeking reward in these blessed days.
This phenomenon is very prevalent in Islamabad, where some areas or neighborhoods are witnessing more than one initiative to distribute meals to the poor and passers-by.
Neighbors at the same table
The situation in Pakistani mosques is no different from its streets, as the tables of Rahman are spread in most places of worship, with the participation of people in each neighborhood, as a kind of solidarity and rapprochement between neighbors.
Sheikh Omar (one of those in charge of those iftars in Islamabad) says to Al Jazeera Net, "Sometimes people bring different foods from their homes, and collect them together in one long table, and sit side by side to break the fast in the mosque."
From the breakfast of students of a religious school in Islamabad (Al Jazeera)
Religious school students
Religious schools are dotted across Pakistan, with students between the ages of 6 and 16, who learn the Holy Quran, Islamic sciences and Arabic.
Most of them come from villages or areas near the mosque, stay there throughout the study period, and then return to their families on vacation, so it is necessary to provide them with food during their stay.
Sheikh Umar, who also oversees a madrassa in Islamabad, explains, "The funding of the school is often self-funded, with the school administration raising funds from the local community and parents, with the aim of providing students with meals, as well as accommodation and education for free."
In Ramadan, they desperately need food and drink, so those next to the mosque rush to provide iftar and suhoor meals for the school's students in order to earn a wage.