MORE than 12,000 worshippers are expected to attend Iftar meals at Bahrain’s biggest mosque during Ramadan.

This year, Muslims in Bahrain will fast for nearly 16 hours and low-income workers are being invited to break their fast at sunset in the Ahmed Al Fateh Islamic Centre (Grand Mosque) – where free meals will be served daily.

Benefit

The gatherings – funded by the Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Ministry and various other philanthropists – are aimed at encouraging people to come together during the holy month.

“Around 350 to 400 people will come daily for Iftar and that number could increase,” said centre tours and visits senior co-ordinator Farahat Al Kindy.

“Poor Muslims who cannot afford to buy meals are invited to join us.

“It is open for Muslims only, but we cannot stop non-Muslims who want to join us and learn about fasting and Ramadan.

“We have religious classes after Maghrib prayer and local imams will also be reading the Quran daily.”

All of Bahrain’s estimated 800-plus mosques will be organising similar gatherings throughout the month.

“We received positive responses last year and are hoping more people will benefit from this Ramadan campaign,” Mr Al Kindy added.

The Grand Mosque is also set to host daily religious lectures in Urdu, Hindi, English and Arabic on the importance of Ramadan and its benefits.

People can pray, read the Quran and attended the daily Taraweeh (special Ramadan prayers).

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, when the Quran was believed to have been revealed to Prophet Mohammed.

During this time, Muslims are required to fast from sunrise to sunset and abstain from food, drinks, smoking and any form of sexual relationship.

However, Mr Al Kindy said that Ramadan was not only about fasting – it also reminds Muslims of the importance of patience, humility and spirituality.

“The month of fasting teaches us patience and obedience to Allah,” he said.

“A true Muslim realises the spiritual, social, scientific and medical benefits which are derived from fasting.

Spiritual

“But as far as a true believer is concerned, it should be sufficient that fasting is prescribed in the Quran by Allah and is the command of Allah.”

The Grand Mosque is normally open for tours between 9am and 4pm every day except Fridays and government holidays.

However, during Ramadan it will operate between 9am and 2pm for visits, and from sunset until midnight for Iftar meals, prayer and readings.
aneeqa@gdn.com.bh