Verily, this nation of yours is a single nation, says the Holy Qur'an. People from different ethnic and linguistic backgrounds sit outside the Prophet's Mosque to break their fast in a display of the oneness of humanity. — SG photo Naif Al-Ali Saudi Gazette MADINAH – Iftar meals at the Prophet's Mosque have a special place in the hearts of many Umrah performers and visitors coming from both inside and outside the Kingdom. Saudi Gazette visited the mosque and saw how Umrah performers break their fast together with smiles and a general content look on their faces. Some Umrah performers said they could not describe the atmosphere of spirituality they experience in Madinah. Most of the group meals distributed at the mosque are prepared by Madinah residents seeking to gain rewards from Allah. Residents start trickling into the mosque after Asr prayer and bring dates, juices, water, milk, yogurt, fruits and other food items. Children as young as seven can be seen helping their fathers arrange food and prepare meals for Umrah performers who expressed their admiration and appreciation to them. Outside the courtyards of the Prophet's Mosque, people can enjoy full meals, including popular meat, chicken and rice dishes as only dates, water, and bread are allowed in the mosque. Some group meals cost as much as SR3,000 a day to prepare and distribute while the majority cost less. Umrah performers from different races and backgrounds can be seen sitting next to each other breaking their fast together in a scene that reflects the unity of Islam during the holy month.
