Suhail Dar
Under the fading light of Anantnag’s evening sky, the call to Maghrib prayer echoes through the air. At Jamia Masjid Anantnag, a diverse gathering—shopkeepers, students, laborers, and travelers—sits side by side, awaiting the moment to break their fast. Among them are Gujjar and Bakarwal men, their sun-worn faces reflecting both exhaustion and devotion. Here, there are no distinctions of wealth or status, only the shared hunger of the day and the shared relief of the first sip of water.
“Ek hi saf mein khade ho gaye Mehmood o Ayaz,
Na koi banda raha na koi banda nawaz.” (In the same row stood Mehmood and Ayaz, No servant remained, nor any master.)
The words of Allama Iqbal find life in this moment. In the sacred space of the mosque, and across the town’s hospitals where volunteers serve Iftar and Sehri, humanity transcends social divisions. At the Maternity and Child Care Hospital in Sherbagh, a similar scene unfolds. Young men from Khair-e-Aam move swiftly, distributing food among patients and their attendants—ensuring that no one, whether rich or poor, remains hungry in this holy month.
A remarkable transformation has taken place in Kashmir in recent years. What began as a small initiative by the Khair-e-Aam Trust to provide free Iftar and Sehri has now inspired several other trusts and NGOs across the valley to take up the cause, ensuring that the spirit of Ramadan reaches hospitals and those in need.
Sajid Iqbal, a 22-year-old engineering graduate from Chandigarh, is one of the many volunteers who dedicate their time to this noble cause. “I’ve been volunteering for Khair-e-Aam for the past year, solely to seek the pleasure of Allah,” he says. The trust, along with organizations like Minhaj-ul-Quran and Al Ahsan Foundation, has taken on the responsibility of feeding patients at Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag and the Maternity and Child Care Hospital (MCH) Sherbagh, which cater to patients from five districts of South Kashmir.
Ramadan, a time of fasting, prayer, and charity, brings Kashmiris together in acts of devotion. Mosques and Khanqahs across the valley are adorned with lights, drawing worshippers for Taraweeh prayers and Quranic recitation. Markets come alive after Iftar, but beyond the commercial buzz, there is an underlying current of generosity that defines the month.
At Sherbagh hospital, the Iftar gathering stands out for its inclusivity. Unlike many public spaces where women find themselves sidelined, here they are an integral part of the communal meal. “Women are welcomed and provided with a separate arrangement to participate in Iftar, ensuring their inclusion and comfort,” says Qazi Umair, a Khair-e-Aam volunteer. The hospital, which usually echoes with the sounds of hurried footsteps and worried whispers, turns into a place of shared kindness and relief during Ramadan evenings.
At GMC Anantnag, Minhaj-ul-Quran volunteers distribute over 220 Iftar kits daily. “People need to contribute generously so that this initiative continues,” urges Shah Haroon, a Minhaj-ul-Quran volunteer. Their teams walk from bed to bed, handing out food packages to patients and their attendants, ensuring that no one is left out.
The Al Ahsan Foundation plays a crucial role in providing Sehri meals every morning at GMC Anantnag. The young volunteers, relying solely on public donations, prepare and distribute over 100 Sehri kits daily, which include rice, dal, eggs, and water bottles. “Many of us are fortunate to have plenty to eat at Sehri and Iftar, but there are others who don’t have this privilege,” says Jasif, a volunteer. “People should donate generously because no one knows when they might find themselves in a hospital.”
Preparations for Sehri begin late at night, with volunteers engaged in cooking, packaging, and organizing food distribution. “Our teams ensure that the meals reach the needy on time,” says Umair from Khair-e-Aam. Their commitment extends beyond Ramadan, as they continue working for the welfare of weaker sections of society throughout the year.
From Jamia Masjid Anantnag to the hospitals of South Kashmir, Ramadan is not just about personal devotion—it is about community, service, and ensuring that no one, regardless of their circumstances, is left out from the blessings of this holy month.
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