IDM Iftaar Saa'im report 1440- 2019

[1] INTRODUCTION

 IDM, through its network of Masaajid and Islamic Centers, as well as through its close

co-operation with grass-roots based sister organizations in South and Southern Africa, serviced thousands of Muslims in South Africa during this sacred and holy month of Ramadaan. This service included meals, distribution of food hampers, and disbursement of Zakaat-ul-Fitr.

[2] OPERATIONAL DETAILS

1. Alhamdullilah, IDM conducted a successful Iftaar Saa'im programme in South Africa.

2. The programme was carried out in 30 township Masaajids in 6 Provinces.

3. There was an average of about 1,170 beneficiaries per day, collectively, who participated in the Iftaar meals, for the entire month of Ramadaan. Whilst almost all partook of the Iftaar meals for the entire month, many of them also participated in the dinner (after Taraweeh), Suhoor and Eid Brunch, as well as those who preferred to prepare meals at home after receiving food hampers from the centre.

4. The total number of meals served was approximately 40,000 during the entire month of This included the meals served for Iftaar, Suhoor and dinner (after Taraweeh) for the entire month of Ramadaan, the additional crowds for Lailatul Qadr, and the last ten days of Ramadaan, and the brunch on the day of Eid ul Fitr at all our centres and areas of operation, as well as those who preferred to prepare meals at home after receiving food hampers from the centre.

5. In some areas, it was more feasible and practical to hand out hampers (food parcels) for the beneficiaries to prepare the Iftaar and Suhoor at home. Approximately 400 hampers (food parcels) were distributed at a cost of R400.00 per hamper.

6. There were about 120 boarders that stayed over at some IDM Centres throughout the month, who performed Lailatul Qiyaam, Tahajjud salaah, Suhoor and Fajr Salaah.

7. About R 11,000.00 ($ 785.00) in Zakatul Fitr was disbursed.

8. The beneficiaries were almost all from the historically disadvantaged communities from these countries, which in the main were from the indigenous, African communities.

9. A big percentage of the beneficiaries were new Muslims.

10. The positive dawah implication of this programme, in addition to its humanitarian and social benefits, has been phenomenal. 

11. The meals for the different centres varied. 

12. 2 pages of photo gallery are enclosed.
    
    

[3] AREAS OF IMPLEMENTATION AND NUMBER OF BENEFICIARIES

 See Addendum 1

[4] OTHER ASPECTS OF THE PROGRAMME

1. Taraweeh 

Alhamdullilah, Taraweeh Salaah was performed at all IDM Centers. It was necessary to source out experienced Hufaaz to lead Taraweeh Salaaah. At some centres, students performed Imamat as part of their training in their Hifz classes in this blessed month.

2. Boarders at IDM Centers during the month of Ramadaan

Once again, IDM accommodated about 120 promising young adults from our new Muslim communities during the month of Ramadaan at some Centers.

3. Supererogatory Deeds (Tahajjud, Zikr, Tilawatul Quran)

Borders at the centres were encouraged to perform supererogatory deeds such as Lailatul Qiyaam (Tahajjud Salaah), tilawatul Quran and Zikr, as a means to bringing them closer to their Creator and uplifting their spirituality and Imaan.

4.  Hifz Classes

As mentioned above, several of the IDM Islamic Community Centres accommodated a total of 120 boarders. The Hifz Classes were part of this Ramadaan programme. This was necessary to the learners to improve their experience in recitation when performing Imamat.

5. Halaqas 

Study groups (Halaqa) were strengthened to enable newly reverted Muslims better understanding of Islam and fasting.

6. Lailatul Qadr 

This important occasion of Lailatul Qadr was observed in all our areas of operation with the average attendance exceeding the usual number during the other nights of Ramadaan. 

7. Eid Salaah 

Eid Salaah was performed at all the IDM Islamic Community Centres. Men, women, youth and children attended the Eid Salaah and programme in several centres. Snacks and full meals were served at the respective centers.

8. Zakatul Fitr

About R 11,000.00 ($ 785.00) of Zakaat ul Fitr was disbursed in cash during this period to needy recipients.

[5] FINANCE

Total value of meals (Iftaar, Suhoor, Dinner, & Eid): R800,000.00  - $ 57,142.00

(Meals at R20.00 ($1.40) per meal)

Total value of food hampers: R160,000.00 $ 11, 428.00

Disbursement of Zakatul Fitr R 11,000.00 $ 785.00 Administration and Logistics R 20,000.00 $ 1,428.00

TOTAL VALUE OF PROGRAMME: R 991,000.00  -  $ 70,783.00

[6] CONCLUSION

The IDM Ramadaan Iftaar Saa'im (Feed the Fasting) Programme was conducted primarily in historically disadvantaged areas of Southern Africa, mainly amongst new Muslim reverts. In these communities, unemployment, poverty levels and negative social behaviors are very high.

This Programme highlights the compassionate and humanitarian aspect of Islam. This, together with a host of other factors, has great dawah implications in the IDM areas of operation.

IDM wishes to thank you for contributing to the success of its South Africa Ramadaan Iftaar-Saa'im Programme, 1440 (May/June 2019).

And all Praise belongs to Allah Ta'ala, the Lord of the Worlds!

ADDENDUM 1

AREAS OF IMPLEMENTATION AND NUMBER OF BENEFICIARIES