Break their fast at People's Park today

DURBANITES of all faiths are invited to partake in a mass iftaar at People’s Park, Moses Mabhida Stadium, this Saturday. This gathering will allow members of the community to break their fast together during the holy month of Ramadan, marking the ninth year of this initiative.

Iftaar, which occurs at sunset, is a significant moment for Muslims as they break their day-long fast with prayers followed by supper. Organiser Zakiah Ebrahim recounts how this annual event blossomed from a simple idea discussed among friends over several years. “We’d love to feed up to about 2 000 fasting individuals every year. This is our first year at People’s Park; it always takes place at the beach, but due to inclement weather warnings, we’ve had to make the decision to move it,” she said.

The event aims to encourage participants to bring their prayer mats, camping chairs, and food to foster a spirit of sharing and community. Ebrahim invites attendees to contribute food items to share, while the organisers will provide an array of traditional delicacies - approximately six to seven items - from dates and water to hearty meal boxes featuring chicken biryani or chicken pulao. Participants will also have access to savoury treats like samosas and spring rolls for purchase.

Ebrahim says that Ramadan is a time for togetherness, compassion and generosity. “Keeping these principles in mind, a mass iftaar is focused on people eating together and feeding everyone. This is a family event, and at home, you would sit down with your family. So at the mass iftaar, families create a little picnic spot where everyone sits together,” she said.

Statistics indicate that around 80 to 85 percent of attendees are Muslim families, with 15 percent representing various interfaith groups and many homeless citizens from the beach. Ebrahim remains optimistic about drawing a sizeable crowd this year, despite the change of venue. “I’d like to ask the community to come together and support the event in every sense. We also accept contributions right up to the last day,” she remarked. Anticipation is high as the community is expected to start arriving around 5 pm, ready to break their fast together.

The month-long fasting period culminates in the joyous celebration of Eid, a time marked by family, festivities and feasts.