Karachi’s old Memon mosque continues to offer grand iftar

A group of volunteers prepare the daily grand iftar at Karachi’s Memon Mosque (AN photo by M.F. Sabir)

About 450 platters are prepared for visitors who come to the mosque for grand iftar (AN photo by M.F. Sabir)

Volunteers can be seen adding samosas and pakoras to the platters (AN photo by M.F. Sabir)

Two children, who are part of the grand iftar at Karachi’s Memon Masjid, are praying to God (AN photo by M.F. Sabir)

Savory iftar, including tasty samosas, pakoras, rolls and fruit, is presented to visitors at Karachi’s Memon Mosque (AN photo by M.F. Sabir)

People are praying ahead of the grand iftar (AN photo by M.F. Sabir)

• Seven decades ago, the act of generosity was carried out on a modest scale by people who came to the mosque to offer their prayers
• More than 3,000 people benefit from the end-of-the-day Ramadan feast at the mosque

KARACHI: This tradition began 70 years ago. Every year, during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, a group of volunteers at Karachi’s Grand Memon Masjid arrange iftar-dinner for nearly 3,000 people every day.
Seven decades ago, this act of generosity was carried out on a more modest scale by people who prayed at the mosque, situated in the Bolton Market area, where dwellers from across the city gather these days to shop.
Riaz Ali Qadri, who is part of the management team that arranges the grand iftar, told Arab News that local shopkeepers, customers, laborers and other passers-by come to the mosque for the end-of-the-day Ramadan feast.
“Some people, who came here to offer their salat (prayers), conceived the idea of collective iftar soon after the independence. They started offering food to others as well,” Qadri said, adding that the gathering grew with the passage of time and more than 450 platters are now prepared and served to people every day.
About 12 people start arranging for the iftar soon after the noon prayer. Qadri said the management of the iftar was separate from the management of the mosque, adding that the former did not accept money from donors.
“Initially, the management used to do it from its own pocket. However, when we need donors now, we ask them to pay the vendors directly,” Qadri said.
He said there used to be a collective prayer before iftar, which was led by an elderly figure who died last year. Now people pray for their well-being individually.
“One platter contains dates, fruits, samosas, chicken rolls and pakoras,” he said. “Water and soft drinks are also served to people, who can choose from different rice dishes as well.”
According to the iftar management, these items are bought from different vendors that guarantee quality and taste.
“Today is my first iftar at this place,” said Dost Muhammad, a resident of Baldia Town, who came to the area for Eid shopping. “The arrangement was good, and I felt totally at home.”