The Unique Aspect of Peshawar’s Riazul Haq Mass Iftar

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Peshawar: Bringing the flavors of tradition and community together, Riazul Haq, a beloved former school teacher from Nowshera district, continues the cherished tradition set by his father.

With a warm smile, Haq orchestrates an Iftar Dastarkhwan, a feast that not only nourishes the body but also strengthens the bonds of brotherhood and mutual coexistence among his fellow villagers during the holy month of Ramazan.

From a diverse array of food cuisines to refreshing beverages and delightful sweets, every element of the gathering is meticulously curated to foster a welcoming ambiance for all attendees. As plates are shared and conversations flow, a palpable sense of togetherness permeates the air, evoking memories of gatherings from years gone by.

Haq’s unwavering commitment to preserving this cherished tradition not only pays homage to his father’s legacy but also stands as a symbol of unity and empathy within the community.

Each Ramazan, the Iftar Dastarkhwan serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact of tradition in uniting people, nurturing a shared sense of belonging and kinship that transcends cultural and societal boundaries.

Radiating a spirit of compassion and solidarity, Riaz continues his father’s legacy by hosting an Iftar Dastarkhwan for the less fortunate in his hometown of Mohib Banda, a tradition that spans from the first day of Ramadan to Chand Raat.

This heartfelt gesture is a tribute to his late father, Mazharul Haq, who succumbed to pancreatic cancer a few years ago.

Following his father’s wishes, Riaz has been organizing the Iftar Dastarkhwan since 2012 at Taray Mosque, where those in need, including the poor, orphans, and marginalized, are welcomed with open arms.

A diverse spread of food, ranging from dates and rice to pakora, dahi bhalla, and jalebi, is offered, as attendees seek mercy and forgiveness for Riaz’s departed father.

The memories of sharing Iftar items, such as dates, pakora (fritter), jalebi, and kachaloo, are etched vividly in Riaz’s mind, reminiscent of the moments when his father generously distributed food packets to those in attendance at the mosque, just before the ‘Maghrib’ prayer.

For Riaz, there’s no greater joy as a Muslim than extending the blessings of Iftar to the less fortunate, a practice he faithfully observes throughout the entirety of Ramadan.

He finds solace and fulfillment in this noble endeavor, believing that breaking fast together not only fosters unity among people of all faiths but also forges bonds that last a lifetime.

With a steadfast belief in fostering interfaith harmony, compassion, and brotherhood, Riaz emphasizes that the act of distributing food during Ramadan is a gesture of deep respect and admiration for our fellow fasting Muslim brothers, magnifying our shared joy.

He stresses that the Iftar Dastarkhwan he organizes is inclusive to all, regardless of their occupation, social standing, caste, creed, or religion. In a world marked by busy schedules and fleeting interactions, Ramazan offers a precious opportunity to reconnect with neighbors, fellow villagers, and childhood companions.

Riaz highlights that during this sacred month, people come together not only as family and friends but also as a unified neighborhood, gathering around the Iftar Dastarkhwan. It’s a time when barriers dissolve, and bonds are strengthened, transcending differences and reinforcing the essence of community and togetherness.

Abdul Ghafoor, former director of the Sheikh Zayd Islamic Centre in Peshawar, emphasized the significance of Iftar parties in fostering bonds of friendship, love, and promoting interfaith harmony.

He highlighted Ramazan as a sacred month during which Muslims seek closeness to Allah Almighty, striving for forgiveness and spiritual rewards.

Maulana Tila Muhammad Siddique, a respected religious scholar, emphasized the importance of equality and mutual respect among individuals regardless of caste, color, or language. He stressed that fostering tolerance and understanding requires embracing the rights and beliefs of all members of society.

Equality in Faith

Roadside mass iftar gatherings are becoming a common sight at various locations in the city including Qisa Khwani, University Road, Lady Reading Hospital, Takhto Jumat Cantonment, and Ramadas.

These events are organized by generous individuals who extend invitations to people of all faiths, fostering an atmosphere of sharing, care, and friendship.

The iftar gatherings feature long tables adorned with dates, pakoras, jalebis, fruits, dahi bhalla, kachaloo, rice, meat dishes, paye, chapli kebabs, pulao, and sweet beverages.

These tables quickly fill up with passersby, laborers, and individuals from diverse backgrounds, coming together to break their fast and enjoy the spirit of unity and compassion.

According to Maulana Tila Sadique, fostering interfaith harmony plays a crucial role in promoting peace and tranquility among people, encouraging positivity and mutual coexistence.

He emphasized that extending invitations to iftar parties among individuals of different faiths strengthens bonds of love, friendship, and brotherhood, transcending religious boundaries such as Islam and Christianity.

Highlighting the significance of the Madina Charter, Maulana Tila Sadique pointed out its provision of complete and unprecedented religious freedom to followers of all religions.

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He stressed the importance of continuous discourse and examination of its various clauses and articles for educational purposes, aiming to ensure enduring peace and harmony worldwide.

Maulana Tila Sadique also underscored the importance of charity in Islam, particularly during Ramadan. He urged people to contribute to reputable charity organizations with a track record of excellent community service and transparent financial management.

 Maulana Sadique highlighted the availability of a list of reputable charities and organizations on the NECTA website, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that one’s charitable contributions reach the intended beneficiaries.

He urged people to exercise extra caution to prevent their charity from falling into the wrong hands.