Sikhs arrange iftar for fasting Muslims
The Sikh community in Peshawar continues its tradition of arranging iftari for the needy and poor.
Feeding the poor is considered an obligation in the Sikh religion and the community living in Peshawar often distributes free food but during the holy month of Ramazan special arrangements are made for iftari.
Different Sikh families living in the Mohalla Jogan Shah area of the walled city take turns to arrange it as a result these ‘distarkhwans’ work round the month.
Sikh traders are also known for announcing special discounts in their shops during Ramazan besides donating money to the needy. For ordinary folks, gathering of Sikhs around long plastic mats spread to serve food to fasting locals in places like Bolton Block of Lady Reading Hospital (LRH) is strange yet pleasant experience.
“This year within four days of Ramazan, we have distributed food items among 100 deserving (Muslim) families,” informs Jatinder Singh, Chairman Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chapter of National Peace Council for Interfaith Harmony. We are now arranging iftari for which Sikh youth have volunteered in addition to providing food packets, Jatinder told APP.
Each of the ration pack consists of essential items including cooking oil, rice, pulses, chick pea, beans, sugar and tea, he added.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 27th, 2023.