A question about the Iftar party

A question about the Iftar party

By: Dr Mohammad Akram Nadwi
Oxford

Q: Dr Imran Akram from USA asked following question:

Assalamoalaykum and Ramadan Mubarak Shaykh,
I hope you are doing well.
I wanted to want to hear your thoughts on iftars in the masjid?
Our Masjid spends close to $5000 every day while feeding people who are well off and fully capable of eating at home. On top of that, there are multiple fundraisings that are going on during Ramadan, adding to the financial burden of the people.
Although I understand the rewards of feeding a fasting person, I feel our donation could benefit the needy people locally, and in other Muslim countries who are currently being oppressed and have nothing to eat.
‏بارك الله فيكم
Imran Akram
USA

A: Wa alaykum al salam and Ramadan Mubarak, Dr. Imran Akram,

I pray this message finds you in the best of health and spirits. May Allah grant you peace, mercy, and success in this blessed month of Ramadan.
I truly appreciate you raising this important issue concerning the financial burden of iftar arrangements in the masjid, especially when the funds are being spent on individuals who are financially capable of feeding themselves, while at the same time, there are multiple fundraising campaigns during this sacred month. This situation indeed presents a challenge in balancing the noble goal of providing for the fasting person with the pressing needs of the less fortunate, both locally and globally.
As you rightly pointed out, hosting an iftar is a highly virtuous act in Islam, and there is great reward in feeding a fasting person. The Prophet, peace be upon him, said: “Whoever feeds a fasting person will have the same reward as him, without diminishing the reward of the fasting person.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi). This hadith underscores the immense reward tied to feeding those who are fasting, which is why many masajid strive to host iftars during Ramadan.
However, it is essential to ensure that resources are allocated in a way that maximises benefit, not only for the attendees but for the community at large. The situation you’re describing calls for a reflection on the best use of our charitable resources. With this in mind, I suggest that the masjid consider the following:

1. Organising Iftar for those in genuine need:
The primary aim of any iftar should be to provide for those who truly need it—namely, the poor, the needy, travellers, and students who may not have the means to break their fast at home. This ensures that the iftar is fulfilling its true purpose—offering relief to those in hardship, in line with the teachings of Islam. This can also extend to community members who may not have the means or opportunity to provide for themselves due to various circumstances.

2. Encouraging those who are financially able to bring their own Iftar:
For those who are financially capable of feeding themselves, it might be more beneficial to ask them to bring their own iftar food to the masjid. By doing so, they will still be able to partake in the communal iftar, but the funds that would have been spent on their meal can be redirected to those who are truly in need. This can also foster a sense of communal sharing and unity, as everyone contributes to the iftar, and it will remind the attendees of the importance of feeding others. Additionally, they can offer any extra food to others in the congregation, ensuring no one leaves without being fed.

3. Redirecting surplus funds to help the needy locally and globally:
If the masjid has excess funds from iftar donations or from the general fundraising during Ramadan, it would be wise to direct those funds to assist the truly needy, whether in the local community or in countries where the suffering is dire. There are many regions in the world where Muslims are facing extreme poverty, oppression, or famine, and they could greatly benefit from such charity. By prioritising these areas, the masjid can maximise the impact of their charitable efforts and ensure that the funds are being used in the most effective and compassionate way possible.

This approach would strike a balance between maintaining the virtue of providing iftar while also ensuring that the limited resources of the masjid are allocated effectively, addressing the needs of both the local and global Muslim communities. It would also ensure that the act of giving aligns with the values of justice, equity, and care for those in genuine need.

May Allah guide us to act in ways that benefit both our local communities and the wider Ummah. May He accept our fasts, our prayers, and our charitable actions in this blessed month.

Dr. Mohammad Akram Nadwi
Oxford