IMA Conducts Interfaith Iftar Gathering
IMA Conducts Interfaith Iftar Gathering
“Interfaith Iftar allows us to not only tolerate our differences in religion but to also respect each other and all religions. We eat together, we learn from each other, and we pray for those less fortunate in our own ways said. Dr. Hassan Taha, a Religious Teacher and Manager of Ties Center, the keynote speaker addressing to an Interfaith Get Together and Iftar Party on topic “The Ramadan – the Month of Blessings”, Conducted by IMA. on 31 March 2023 at Fintas Wedding Hall Kuwait.
He also added “the Quran was sent down in the month of Ramadan as Guidance for entire mankind and during Ramadan Fasting one can get a reward 10 to 700 times for his good deeds, depending on how sincere he is in worship to God Almighty. Thus, in this month we can strengthen our relationship with our Creator by fasting, worshipping, reciting the Quran, charity and doing good deeds, as much as possible.
Referring to Quranic verse. “O you who believe fasting has been prescribed to you as it was prescribe to those who came before you so that you can gain God Consciousness”. According to some Historians the first human being and first Prophet Adam (AS) is to fast 3 days a month, he added that “the Quran was sent down in the month of Ramadan as Guidance for entire mankind and during Ramadan Fasting one can get a reward 10 to 700 times for his good deeds, depending on how sincere he is in worship to God Almighty. Thus, in this month we can strengthen our relationship with our Creator by fasting, worshipping, reciting the Quran, charity and doing good deeds, as much as possible.
He also said, “this is the time also for people to be united and end their differences, if they have any. He gave a reference of our Holy Prophet SAWS’ saying that “every Monday and Thursday angels will take the report of our deeds to God Almighty. ALLAH ALMIGHTY forgives all except those who have broken relationship with any relative and stops speaking to him”. Mr. Taha appreciated the activities by IMA in Kuwait and thanked IMA and the gathering for inviting him to the program.
Mr. Sharfuddin Soofi, Vice president IMA , in his keynote speech on topic “Communal Harmony” emphasized on the importance of unity in diversity which helps the people in building communal harmony in a multi-cultural society such as our country, India, where people are from different religions, casts, creed and ethnicities living together since centuries. He narrated two beautiful stories as an example where people are from different religions, casts, creed and ethnicities living together since centuries. He set an example of nature to learn from it how we can live harmoniously. If we don’t live harmoniously there will be lot of problems there will be racism, exploitation, intolerance etc which are not liked by God. He added that we are going back to nature, we should learn from nature and learn with the art of beginning in harmonious manner respecting each other. So, though we are Hindus, Muslims, Christians and there are multiple faiths, they are all different but still they can co-exist if they understand nature and learn from that. The Quran says that Human Society is always a diverse and plural society. Society will not be like uniform society, and you will not find it. When you have a difference of opinion, and it is good to convey to others then your responsibility is to convey to others. He also said that ALLAH SWT sent prophets with the responsibility to convey His message to mankind rather than comparing. Quran says if God wants us to be everybody as believers that means believing in God. We can see some believe in one God, some believe in multiple God and some people don't believe in God.
He continued his speech saying Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) is the one who brought the first written constitution of the world about how to live in a Multicultural Society. He emphasized the essential thing for the foundation of the best society in shade of Prophet Muhammed (MPBUH)saying “One is not a believer when his neighbor suffers from hunger”.
Vice President of IMA narrated that Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) after spending 13 years in Makkah left for Madina, where he promoted and established a peaceful society. Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) said to maintain peaceful society we have to promote Salutation of peace, Feed the Hungry, care for basic needs of poor people and strengthen the family ties to lead a happy family life. He referred to Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) saying “one who breaks family ties will go to hell”. He recommended performing late night prayers to strengthen the relationship between yourself and ALLAH ALMIGHTY. In conclusion Sharfuddin quoted a Quranic Verses “You are the best nation produced [as an example] for mankind. Your responsibility is to promote goodness in this world.
Arab guest of honor, who were present are Mr. Ammar AL Kandhari, Manager IPC & Mr. Ahmed Mutlaq Al Azmi from Ministry of Awqaf and many other dignitaries are present and appreciated IMA activities in all fields.
Mr. Suresh KP, JT. Secretary -Indian Business & Professional Council, Mr. Ravindra Maruti Patel, President of Maharashtra Mandal Kuwait, Dr. Diwakar Chaluvaiah, President of Indian Doctors Forum Kuwait and Mr.Harish Bhandary, General Secretary Tulu Koota were the non-Arab guests from Indian Organizations. They said that it’s an honor and respect to be here with Muslim community and celebrate the Ramadan. They appreciated all IMA members for inviting them to this event. They shared their thoughts about the month of Ramadan. They congratulated all by words RAMADAN Kareem.
Mr. Suresh advised the Muslim community to practice fasting and worships in this holy month. Mr. Ravindra said the participation of different religious communities shows unity and brotherhood. Dr. Diwakar Chaluvaiah, in his presidential speech said that it was a great pleasure on addressing on the auspicious and holy month of Ramadan, He added that fasting is one of the pillars of Islam and the month of Ramadan and its blessings are the most awaited month and things. He said that he liked the Title Interfaith Iftar Get-together. Mr.Harish appreciated the program and said, “Ramadan is a month of purity, month of charity, month of Self-control"
All the Guests and other dignitaries appreciated the social, religious and cultural activities being carried out by IMA among the Muslims as well as non-Muslims living in Kuwait like conducting medical camps, blood donation camps and activities of social services.
The program was conducted at Fintas Wedding Hall, Fintas. A large number of people from different communities and walks of life such as diplomats, professors, doctors, engineers and common people witnessed and appreciated the program. The function was presieded by Mohammed-Omar Falahi, Vice President of IMA Kuwait. The program commenced with beautiful recitation of verses from the Glorious Quran by Mr. Afridi Khan.
Mr. Faheem Shareef, the convener of the program gave brief introduction of IMA –Kuwait, It is a major an Indian Socio-Religious Organization in Kuwait which carries out its various activities under the patronage of “Ministry of Awqaf” & “Islamic Affairs”, Kuwait. IMA always focuses to provide a platform for the enhancement of expatriates living in Kuwait for their spiritual & social aspects through various programs & webinars.
