Iftar at Saudi Arabia's Grand Mosque: A cultural gathering

Iftar meals are offered in Makkah’s Grand Mosque and its plazas to bring together fasting people of different nationalities and races. (SPA)

JEDDAH: Iftar meals are offered in Makkah’s Grand Mosque and its plazas to bring together fasting people of different nationalities and races.
Volunteers prepare the meals daily, and distribute food and coffee to the mosque’s visitors. The meals are arranged in a linear manner so as not to hinder people’s movement in the mosque.
The meals are organized an hour before the Maghrib prayer, and are distributed half an hour before it is time to break the fast.
They differ depending on the institutions and associations carrying out the initiative, which is supervised by the General Presidency of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque.
Meals distributed in the Grand Mosque consist of dates and water, while those distributed outside consist of wrapped meals, water, juices and dates.
Fifty-seven bodies and charities take part in the daily iftar at the mosque. The General Presidency of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque has issued more than 1,195 permits for the distribution of quality iftar meals.
Mohammed Al-Yafei, a Yemeni performing the Umrah pilgrimage in Makkah, expressed his delight at visiting the Grand Mosque during Ramadan.
“I’m amazed by the expansion of the mosque and the great efforts made, for which we’re thankful,” he said.
Mohammed Khan from Pakistan said the services offered around the mosque have delighted every visitor.
Mohammed Kamel from Egypt said the Ramadan atmosphere in Makkah gave him an indescribable feeling.