Suhail Dar
During the ongoing month of Ramadan, Iftar in Anantnag town of Kashmir town has transformed into a grand affair. The hospital grounds have evolved into vibrant social hubs where hundreds of individuals congregate to collectively break their fasts.
Sajid Iqbal, a 22-year-old engineering graduate from a college in Chandigarh, is among the numerous volunteers who frequent the primary Maternity and Child Care Hospital in Sherbagh, located in Anantnag town, South Kashmir. “I’ve been dedicating my time to volunteering for the Khair e Aam trust for the past year. I do it solely to seek the pleasure of Allah,” he expresses. The Khair e Aam trust is one of several organizations in the South Kashmir town that have been organizing Iftar and Sehri meals for the two primary hospitals in the area: the Government Medical College and the Maternity and Child Care Hospital. These hospitals serve patients from five districts.
During Ramadan, Muslims worldwide observe a month of fasting, abstaining from food, drinks, and other prohibited acts from sunrise to sunset. In Kashmir, Muslims engage in increased acts of worship, such as recitation of the Quran, special night prayers known as Taraweeh, and acts of charity and kindness.
Mosques and Khanqahs across Kashmir are adorned with exquisite decorations during Ramadan, attracting worshippers seeking spiritual solace. Throughout the day, devotees flock to offer prayers, with a surge during the Zuhr prayers and particularly during sunset as they break their fast.
Similar scenes unfold at other religious places where special arrangements are made for Ramadan, fostering community cohesion and spiritual nourishment. Post-Iftar, markets across Kashmir come alive with a festive atmosphere.
Ramadan holds great significance in showing compassion and helping the needy, exemplified by community Iftar initiatives at major hospitals in Anantnag, organized by these young volunteers. “”In hospitals, there is currently no arrangement for community Iftar. In 2019, we started this project. In addition to the Iftar drive, Khair e Aam Trust also provides Sehri for the patients and their attendants at the GMC Anantnag and MCH Sherbagh. But our initiatives are not confined to Ramadhan,” said Qazi Umair, a volunteer of the Khair e Aam trust.
At the Sherbagh hospital, a unique scene unfolds everyday and unlike at any of the space, women are a part of the space where people gather to have Iftar. The positive aspect of this scene at Sherbagh hospital is the inclusive environment it creates during Iftar gatherings. “Unlike many other spaces, women are welcomed and provided with a separate arrangement to participate in the Iftar, ensuring their inclusion and comfort,” said Qazi Umair from Khair e Aam trust.
Minhaj ul Quran, Jammu Kashmir, is among the various trusts serving Iftar to patients at GMC Anantnag. “We distribute around 220 Iftar kits almost every day at GMC Anantnag. People need to generously contribute to continue this Free Iftar drive,” Shah Haroon, a volunteer with Minhaj ul Quran, stated.
The Volunteers of Minhaj go bed after bed and distribute the kits among the patients and their attendants.
Young volunteers of Al Ahsan foundation based in Anantnag have been also reaching the GMC Anantnag every morning and arranging Sehri every morning for the patients and their attendants at the hospital.
These young of Al Ahsan Trust volunteers, surviving only on public prepare over hundred Sehri kits everyday, The menu includes Rice, Dal, Eggs and a water bottle distributed among the patients at their beds. “In this blessed month of Ramadan, many of us are fortunate to have plenty to eat for Sehri and Iftar. But there are many around us who don’t have this privilege. People need to generously donate, because the hospital might be in everyone’s fate,” says Jasif, another volunteer of Al Ahsan Trust.
“The cooking and other arrangements for packing just ahead of Sehri, following which our different teams distribute it among the needy,” said Umair. He mentioned that multiple volunteers are working with the organization, and they are committed to serving the people in the future as well. They are tirelessly working for the welfare and betterment of the weaker sections of society.