With the advent of Ramadan, tens of thousands of free Iftar meals are being distributed among the needy on a daily basis in Riyadh. The recipients are mostly workers of various nationalities. The free meals are courtesy of the Cooperative Office for Call and Guidance (COCG), a number of Saudi charity organizations and philanthropists who provide funds for elaborate Iftar arrangements across the city. Nouh N. Al-Qarain, Director, COCG, which operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, said tents that accommodate about 2,000 people have been raised in at least six locations across Riyadh. “A total of 5,800 people are receiving free Iftar meals on a daily basis,” said Al-Qarain. Speaking about the cost of the meals, he said that SR8 per day and SR240 a month is budgeted for each person, adding that about SR1.3 million would be the total amount required to feed the needy during the holy month. “One of the qualities of human nature embedded in Islam is generosity. There is no better time to talk about generosity than in the month of Ramadan,” said Al-Qarain. He said that the need to be generous towards family, friends, neighbors, strangers and even enemies, is mentioned repeatedly throughout the Holy Qur'an and the authentic traditions of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Al-Qarain said tents set up to serve free Iftar meals are open for everyone. Considering the high summer temperature in Riyadh the 15 x15 meter tents are well equipped with desert coolers, he added. “One non-Muslim Spanish national living in Riyadh visited one of our tents on the second day of Ramadan. The Spaniard came to experience how Muslims break their day-long fast at a huge tent raised for this special purpose. He was delighted to have such an experience and was impressed to see the discipline, piety and generosity of people,” Al-Qarain said. Sources said the number of people served with free Iftar meals in tents in Riyadh's Old Industrial City alone stood at around 15,000. Free Iftar meals are also being served to hundreds of people who gather in mosques and small tents in all parts of the city. In general, the essential ingredients of each Iftar meal distributed at various locations include dates, bottles of water, juice and laban, sambosak, two pieces of fruit and kabsa (cooked rice with chicken) enough for a person. Al-Qarain said it takes merely five to 10 minutes for the issuance of a license from the Saudi authorities to those interested in arranging free Iftar meals. __
