In a unique series of iftar gatherings across the city, nearly 700 members, including men, women, and children from the Dawoodi Bohra community, convene daily to break their fast together, a tradition upheld for many decades.
The 350 close-knit families from the Dawoodi Bohra Muslim community of Muscat, who settled here in the 1960s, break their fast after sunset prayers with dates, water, and tea. Later, they come together for an iftar dinner comprising traditional Bohra delicacies. Community centers also prepare extra food to serve those less fortunate in the neighborhood.
Special iftar dinner programs also invite friends from local authorities and neighbors to partake in the traditional Bohra meal and engage in unity and brotherhood.
These community members ensure that their approximately 70 brothers and sisters in Sohar and 20 in Salalah share similar bonding through daily iftar gatherings, ensuring that all iftar items reach them regularly.
Further enhancing the value of these ongoing iftars, members have pledged to donate aid for Palestine through the Oman Charitable Organization (OCO), whose efforts are currently underway. These iftars serve as support for humanitarian causes while promoting environmental sustainability.
The 30-day iftar gathering in their Jamia Masjid exemplifies their community spirit and consideration for wider society in the capital area. It's a 'no plastic event', as they strictly use recyclable utensils, avoid single-use plastic water bottles, and encourage reusable ones. The sofra (serviette) used daily is recyclable.
"Additionally, we recycle date pits to make coffee powder, which we use for all occasions," said Juzer Thybhoy, representative of the community.
Zero wastage:
Guests at these iftar gatherings are encouraged not to waste even a single grain of rice, as every grain represents the hard work and effort behind it. This underscores the community's commitment to minimizing food wastage.
Community support:
In addition to distributing food among the needy, members of the Bohra community provide essentials and cooked meals to local communities around their headquarters every Tuesday, serving around 150 people, and to another 135 people in nearby fishing villages.
Spiritual rejuvenation:
Both young and elderly members engage in spiritual activities to deepen their beliefs and emphasize the values of Ramadan, religion, and humanity. They gather daily to recite and memorize the Holy Qur'an in groups during morning, evening, and night.
"Like Bohras worldwide, we strive to play productive roles in the societies we live in. As part of our global Project Rise initiative, we regularly support local food banks and participate in environmental preservation efforts by planting saplings," he added.
Their collective prayers and shared iftar experiences embody the true essence of Ramadan, fostering unity among humanity.
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