A Ramadan initiative to strengthen brotherly bonds
With the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia launched the “Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program for Distributing Dates and Providing Iftar Meals” in the Republic of Sri Lanka. The two programs were officially inaugurated during a ceremony held at the Kingdom’s embassy in Colombo, in the presence of the Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to Sri Lanka, Mr. Khalid bin Hamoud Al-Qahtani, and the Sri Lankan Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs, Mr. Mohamed Munir Muzaffar, along with a number of Islamic affairs officials, heads of Islamic associations and centers, and prominent figures in Islamic outreach and media.
Historical background and long-standing relationships
This initiative is part of a series of humanitarian and religious programs that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia offers annually to Muslims worldwide, particularly during Ramadan. These programs reflect the deep historical ties between the Kingdom and Sri Lanka, which extend beyond diplomacy to encompass long-standing cultural and economic bonds. Muslims constitute an important component of Sri Lankan society, and such initiatives contribute to supporting them and strengthening their sense of belonging to the Muslim community.
Program details and its local impact
This year's program includes the distribution of 5 tons of premium dates, expected to benefit more than 20,000 fasting individuals across the country. The Iftar program also aims to provide Iftar meals for approximately 5,000 people. The impact of this aid extends beyond the material, bringing joy and happiness to the beneficiary families and enabling them to perform their religious duties with ease and peace of mind during the holy month, thus strengthening the values of solidarity and compassion within the community.
International importance and leading role of the Kingdom
Internationally, these programs highlight the leading role played by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in serving Islam and Muslims. The date distribution program reaches 120 countries, while the Iftar program covers 70 countries worldwide. These extensive efforts solidify the Kingdom's position as the heart of the Islamic world and reflect its commitment to spreading Islam's tolerant message based on goodness, generosity, and human connection. The Sri Lankan Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs expressed his deep gratitude and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince – may God protect them – for these noble humanitarian initiatives, emphasizing their significant contribution to strengthening the bonds of brotherhood and love among nations.
