The holy month of Ramadan offers a good opportunity for many non-Muslim expatriates in Saudi Arabia to join Iftar with their Muslim friends to know the Islamic values and strengthen dialogue. “I feel more attachment with my colleagues since I joined Iftar with them. We discuss many things about Islam,” said Amor Igme, a Christian salesman. Among the eight million foreign workers residing in Saudi Arabia, more than one-quarter of them are non-Muslims. The Embassy of the Philippines reports that over 90 percent of the Filipinos here are Christians. Abhay Shankar, a salesman at a garment chain, has just started to study and learn Islam. “I have not yet decided to convert. But, in an attempt to learn more about Islam, I am practicing rituals such as prayers and fasting in Ramadan,” he said. To meet Muslims from various backgrounds, he visits mosques. “There I get an opportunity to talk and interact with Muslims. I observe them and found many positive things in Islam,” he said. “Iftar time is the most appropriate time for interaction between Muslims and non-Muslims and teach them about Islam,” said Mohammad Aqil, coordinator of Jeddah Da'wah Center. “It is a way to gain mutual understanding, broaden interaction and build social relations. Non-Muslims can be introduced to Islam by attending the Iftar.” “Though Iftar is mainly for Muslims, non-Muslims are also welcome,” said Abu Abdullah, a volunteer for arranging the Iftar at outer vicinity of Tauheed Mosque at Faysaliyah-1. “We want to make people feel good when they come for food. We show respect to all irrespective of nationality, financial and religious background,” he said. It is customary for Muslims during Ramadan to host iftar for the poor and the needy. Engineer Afzal Bohriwala, from Mumbai, who is inviting his non-Muslim friends and neighbors for Iftar for the last 12 years, said it is better that Iftar be shared with members of the family, friends and non-Muslims rather than with the rich people at extravagant parties. “During my visit to my home country, I make an effort to explain the basic characteristics of Islam, and dispel myths as much as possible. Me and my Muslim fellows try to make Ramadan a nice experience for them,” said Bohriwala. Ronit Kumar, a flight supervisor in Saudi Arabian Airlines, likes to Iftar meal shared by his neighbors. “My neighbors exchange the Iftar food. They never forget my family as well. I receive lots of food daily. I use to send them Islamic mails and also give some gifts and sweets to their children on Eid”, he said. No doubt, such things can help non-Muslims understand the true Islam and recognize that Islam is the religion of tolerance, peace, and brotherhood. Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid, a prominent Muslim lecturer and author in Saudi Arabia, said it is permissible to have Iftar with non-Muslims if there is an Islamic reason for doing so, such as calling them to the true religion or softening their hearts toward Islam. __
