The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the Religious Attaché at the Kingdom's Embassy in the Republic of South Africa, announced the commencement of the "Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Program for Iftar (breaking the fast) for fasting Muslims" and the distribution of premium dates for the year 1445 AH. The program was officially launched at the embassy in Pretoria, in the presence of the Religious Attaché, Mohammed Al-Rusaini, along with a number of officials, imams of mosques, and representatives of Islamic centers and associations in the country.
A well-established global initiative
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' program for providing iftar meals and distributing dates is one of the leading global initiatives launched annually by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan. This program represents an extension of the Kingdom's historical and pioneering role in serving Islam and Muslims worldwide. For decades, the Saudi leadership has been committed to delivering this Ramadan aid to millions of Muslims across different continents, making this initiative an annual tradition that embodies the values of solidarity and compassion encouraged by Islam, and reflects the Kingdom's role as the beating heart of the Islamic world and the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.
Program details in South Africa
This year's program includes the distribution of large quantities of high-quality dates, with 15 tons allocated to the Republic of South Africa alone, expected to benefit approximately 60,000 Muslims. The program also extends to neighboring countries, with 3 tons allocated to each of the Kingdom of Lesotho, the Republic of Botswana, and the Kingdom of Eswatini. This brings the total amount distributed in the region to 24 tons, benefiting around 96,000 people. In addition to the date distribution, the program includes a comprehensive Iftar project in South Africa, aiming to provide Iftar meals for approximately 10,000 fasting individuals throughout the holy month.
Positive impact and profound implications
This program holds immense importance at the local, regional, and international levels. Locally, it alleviates the burden on needy families in Muslim communities across southern Africa and fosters a spirit of brotherhood and solidarity through communal iftar meals. Internationally, the program serves as an effective tool of the Kingdom's humanitarian and religious diplomacy, enhancing its image as a leading nation in charitable and Islamic work. It also strengthens bilateral relations between the Kingdom and these countries, building bridges of friendship and respect between peoples and reaffirming the Kingdom's noble mission of spreading goodness and peace and serving the causes of Muslims everywhere.
Thanks and appreciation for the Kingdom's efforts
Representatives of Islamic organizations and centers in South Africa and neighboring countries expressed their deepest 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. They affirmed that this generous gesture is characteristic of the Kingdom's leadership, which consistently prioritizes the well-being of Muslims worldwide, and commended the efforts of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs to ensure that this aid reaches those who need it most.
