Karachi’s New Memon Mosque continues over 70-year-old tradition of hosting grand iftar

KARACHI: The tradition began 76 years ago.

Since then, every year during the holy month of Ramadan, hundreds gather at sunset for a grand communal iftar dinner at the New Memon Mosque in Karachi. The meal is arranged by a group of volunteers for nearly 3,000 people daily.

Riaz Ali Qadri, who is part of the management team that arranges the iftar, told Arab News the feast was attended by local shopkeepers, customers, laborers and other passers-by. She said the tradition was started decades ago by worshippers at the mosque, which is situated in the Bolton Market area, now a popular shopping area.

“Some people, who came here to offer their salat (prayers), conceived the idea of collective iftar soon after independence [1947]. They started offering food to others as well,” Qadri said, adding that the gathering had grown with the passage of time and more than 450 platters were now prepared and served to people every day.

“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.”

Around a dozen people were involved in the arrangement, Qadri said.

“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, adding that the mosque did not accept an donations for the iftar.

“Today is my first iftar at this place,” said Dost Muhammad, a resident of Baldia Town who had come to the area for Eid shopping.

“The arrangement was good and I felt totally at home.”