A Muslim group has asked government agencies not to host iftar parties during Ramzan, which begins on July 10 or 11, depending on the new moon’s sighting.
Muslims activists have also suggested that the money, which is spent in hosting lavish iftar dinners should be donated to the relief fund for victims of flashfloods in Uttarakhand.
Led by NGO Muslim Front, the activists are campaigning against hosting of iftar parties, especially by the government.
“Thousands of our countrymen have lost their homes in the devastating floods and landslides that ravaged Uttarakhand. Political iftars don’t serve much purpose and the money that is spent in organizing such parties can be of great help in rehabilitating those families that lost their breadwinners or desperately need help,” said Muslim Front’s president Farid Batatawala, who has requested Maharashtra governor, CM and the Mumbai police chief to restrain from holding iftar parties. Apart from some government agencies, political parties too host iftar dinners annually. Critics of such functions have often said that these parties spoil the sanctity of Ramzan, which is a month for seeking God’s blessings and forgiveness through prayers and fasting. Since this year Ramzan comes just a few months ahead of the 2014 poll, political parties might use iftar dinner to cement their bonds with the Muslims.
However, some feel that iftar parties should not be discontinued even if they are organized by politicians. “What is wrong if some politicians want to bond with the community members over iftar dinner? It brings Muslims closer to members of other communities,” said senior Urdu journalist SarfrazArzoo.
Courtesy: TOI