Pretoria, March 7, 2025 – In a demonstration of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting Muslims worldwide during the holy month of Ramadan, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance successfully launched the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Ramadan iftar and date distribution programs in South Africa. These programs, which have become a hallmark of Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian outreach, aim to alleviate the challenges faced by Muslims during Ramadan by providing essential food support for iftar meals and distributing dates, a traditional and highly beneficial food to break the fast.
The Saudi Embassy in Pretoria hosted the event, with notable figures in attendance, including Ambassador Hamdi Alsahli, Deputy Head of Mission, and Sheikh Imraan Asani, the Head of the Southern Africa Islamic Organization. The initiative, which took place across multiple cities in South Africa, successfully distributed a remarkable 15 tons of dates, providing sustenance to approximately 65,000 individuals. These figures underscore the significant impact of the programs, which directly benefit the local Muslim community and serve as an expression of Saudi Arabia’s deep-rooted values of charity and solidarity with Muslims around the world.
This year, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance is extending its humanitarian initiatives even further, implementing the date distribution program in 102 countries and the iftar program in 61 countries. These programs are part of a broader effort by Saudi Arabia to serve the needs of Muslims globally during Ramadan, facilitating access to nutritious food and fostering a sense of community and support among Muslims during this spiritually significant time.
The Ramadan iftar and date distribution programs are a testament to the Kingdom’s ongoing dedication to humanitarian efforts, reflecting its role as a leader in supporting the global Muslim community. Through these initiatives, Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen its mission to meet the needs of Muslims worldwide, embodying the principles of compassion, charity, and unity that are central to Islam.
