Iftar parties hosted by NRIs have increased in Saudi Arabia, but the spirituality has disappeared.Now also organizing “Sahri” parties
Published Date – Mon, 04/17/23 at 08:42 AM
Iftar Party in Saudi Arabia
Jeddah: Most of the Indian diaspora community organizations in Saudi Arabia are racing against time to throw iftar parties on the last leg of Ramadan. Like iftar parties in India, conceived of by political leaders as a platform to showcase themselves, most iftar parties here have also become vehicles for displaying status and personal advancement.
In Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam, not a single day goes by without iftar parties hosted by various community organizations.
For some, Ramadan has increasingly become a month of feasting and celebration rather than charity and spirituality. Airline executives and diplomats were flooded with invitations. In fact, their participation is urgently needed, as it adds value and further strengthens the position of the so-called leader among his constituents.
Iftar parties turned into Iftar dinners, and as if that wasn’t enough for their entertaining spirit, creative minds have started throwing ‘Sahri’ parties on weekends.
Party culture is at its peak in the capital, Riyadh, where socialites are estimated to receive an average of 60 invitations during Ramadan.
Most community leaders are worn out from regular iftar parties, but they don’t want to miss an invitation. Some of them attended three iftar parties in one night to make sure their presence was noticed.
Ironically, most Iftar parties in India have lost their religious significance and importance, only to indulge in contemporary political issues in the country.
Commenting on the trend, Banayeeem, a prominent Islamic preacher from Hyderabad and imam of a mosque in Jeddah for many years, said that “iftar has lost its spirituality now” and asserted that “any display of influence and contribution to charity The emphasis on giving of causes is contrary to Islamic principles.”
He recalls that forty years ago hosting an iftar was a noble cause, with some fruit, bread and juice or laban served to the attendees. He said a large proportion of food is now wasted.
