Indian Muslim Association (“IMA”) recently conducted an Inter Faith Iftar party . Units of Salmiya, Khaitan, Abbasiya, Youth wing team and Kuwait City organized this event recently at Rajdhani Place Hotel, Khaitan. The gathering received an overwhelming response as representatives from several associations in Kuwait as well as public invitees from various faiths attended the programme.
Mr. Raj Gopal Singh (Deputy Chief of Mission & Appellate Authority, the representative of Indian Embassy in Kuwait) and Sheikh Abdul Azeez Al-Namus (the Manager of the Dawah department ,Kuwait) were the Chief Guests.
Speaking on the occasion, Raj Gopal Singh on behalf of embassy congratulated everyone for Ramadan and thanked IMA for inviting him on the auspicious event. Raj Gopal Singh just elaborated in few words the significance of the month of Ramadan and the benefits of fasting. He wished IMA success in all its future endeavours.
Abdul Azeez Al-Namus from Dawah Dept. Kuwait briefly addressed the gathering emphasizing Kuwait’s support for such gatherings for other communities to know about the significance of Islam and Ramadhan in particular.
Dr. Mohan Ram (General Secretary of Indian Doctors Forum in Kuwait), Dr. Shaheer Malik (President, Indian Dental Alliance in Kuwait), Mr. K. Gangadhar (Principal, ICSK Khaitan), Mr. Suresh Waghmare ((President, Maharashtra Mandal), Mr. Vasu Maguluri (President, Telugu Kala Samithi) were the Guests of Honor at the event. Apart from the above personnel, special guest attendee was Mrs. Cathy Thomas (Vice President, Integrated Indian School).
Guests of Honor too shared the dais and expressed sincere thanks to IMA for inviting them and appreciated IMA for its continuous efforts in promoting cultural and social activities. Since couple of guest of honours were doctors, they elaborated on the importance of fasting especially considering its positive impacts on human health, the release of toxins and hormones boost the physical and mental metabolism of the body. The doctors advised for the care to be taken on the food eating habits at the opening of the fast and accentuate on adequate liquid intake to keep the body active & energetic.
Nissar Ahmed, a well-known personality in Kuwait delivered a lecture along with a presentation on the subject “Message of Ramadan”. It was a fabulous lecture whereby he explained in the context of Ramadan, the five pillars of Islam, oneness of god, prophet Mohammed (PBUH) mission of delivering the said message and the revelation & need for divine guidance. The god has been sending prophets for the guidance of mankind for several centuries and whoever has followed the guidance has attained the success in this world and hereafter. Nisar enumerated, the main purpose of Ramadan is to develop god consciousness in Muslims and create a virtual impact on the mindset that the God is always watching, hearing and knowing our actions. The prophet Mohammed (PBUH) has strictly warned that whoever does not leave false speech and abusive language during fast, Allah does not need his quitting of food and drink.
Sharafuddin Soofi another a well-known personality in Kuwait delivered second speech on the subject “Justice for Peace”. The speaker narrated a marvellous story based on the theme ‘What’s the Purpose of Life’. Islam the religion is based upon one of the core principals to deploy & follow justice and fairness in several aspects of life. He stated an example on the occasions of sighting a new moon at the commencement of the month or on each Friday Jumna sermons, the dua that is stated from quran, supplicates to Allah to provide us peace and justice in the forthcoming days. Mr. Sharafuddin further enumerated Allah has explicitly warned Muslims to be fair in the dealings even with your enemies. It is a famous verdict from Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) stating ‘should your neighbour is not in peace with you then you are not of the believer’. The speaker quoted verses from other holy books to proclaim the message of the importance of human character & behaviour and its implications on the society. The religion Islam shells out heavy emphasis on Muslims to build & practise a sound human character. Such a model character ultimately plays a vital role in multi-cultural societies like of India.
IMA Vice-President Shamvil Parvez gave a brief introduction of IMA and its activities where he highlighted the Association’s mission and objectives, the activities conducted by IMA to promote communal unity, peace and harmony and the social welfare activities performed by IMA in terms of assistance to needy victims.
The program began with Quran recitation by Master Abdul Rehman and concluded with vote of thanks by Mr. Kazi Zafar. Syed Mateen and Yusuf Chorghay convened the program. At the end of the program the guest were served with delicious buffet dinner.