Muscat – After a long day at work, Alamgeer used to look forward to the iftar gatherings at the mosque. After finishing his work around 6pm he used to rush to the mosque with snacks that he would buy from the nearby coffee shop and share with the fellow fasting Muslims.

Like Alamgeer, for many workers who start their work early in the morning, iftar gatherings at mosques and tents run by mosque administrations and various groups offered a chance to have a sumptuous meal. But for the third year in a row, public iftars are banned due to COVID-19.

“Frequenting mosques, first couple of days we used to sit with different people but within days we would develop a bond of friendship. Then as days passed, we would wait for each other to break fast together,” said Alamgeer, who works as an electrician-cum-plumber.

Public iftar meals were a big help for low-wage earning expatriates as it helped in not only saving money but also time. “After a long day at work, we do not have time or energy to prepare the food,” Alamgeer added. But more than a free meal, he misses the bond and warmth he used to share with complete strangers.

Nassir Attari, who works in the Muttrah Souq, also misses the iftar gatherings held at mosques. “We used to meet old friends and make new ones at iftar meals. It was a good opportunity to spread peace and grow as a community.”

An alternative to public gatherings
Muhammad Ali Fazal, owner of a heavy equipment rental service, used to run an iftar meal tent in the Somhan area of Barka before the COVID-19 pandemic. But during the last two years, he delivered meal parcels.

He runs this initiative as a service to humanity and single-handedly bears all the cost. “In pre-pandemic times I used to cook but this year I am planning to collaborate with a hotel. The food parcel will include briyani, raita, salad, laban and juice. Initially, we will start with 50 parcels and depending on demand we will increase the numbers,” he informed.

Fazal hopes that more people come forward to help the low-wage labourers in serving them at least one meal per day.

Jo James, admin of What’s Happening Oman (WHO) Facebook page, is running a campaign #RamdanActsOfKindness. The group distributed ration boxes during the past two years and this year it has tied up with restaurants to provide free meals to the needy.

“Throughout the year, workers make sure our streets are clean, parks are maintained and roads are restored after a storm. So this year, we’re teaming up with a few restaurants to offer meals for the hardworking labourers that rely on Ramadan tents for food to break their fast. It’s a good time to say ‘thank you’ for their hard work,” Jo posted on the page.

“We have collaborated with restaurants and when the labourers go to buy a meal, he will get a free parcel. Till now we have managed to fund 265 meals,” Jo told Muscat Daily.

She added, “The more money we get the more people we will feed.”

To help the WHO team buy meals contact ‘Jo’ on her WHO Facebook page. Meal box prices range from RO1.3 – RO1.8 each. Boxes contain items such as chicken or veg biryani, samosa, yogurt, fruits, juice/laban, and water.

(Text by Syed Fasiuddin)