South African Muslims launch Ramadan charity drive

Launching war on hunger during the holy month of Ramadan, a group of Islamic organizations have been racing to offer food to the needy people across Africa all through the fasting month.

Islamic charity organizations in South Africa have begun distributing food packages to less fortunate Muslims across Africa to ensure they do not lack food with which to break their Ramadan fast.

“We have distributed uncooked food packages in South Africa, Mozambique and Malawi,” Hassan Choonara, regional director of the South Africa-based Africa Muslims Agency (AMA), said. “We also provide Iftar and Suhoor meals in 29 African countries.”

He said his organization hoped to feed over three million Muslims in Africa during this year’s fasting month of Ramadan, which began on Thursday.

“Last year, we fed over one million Muslims during Ramadan. This year, we hope to triple that to three million, God willing,” Choonara added.

Choonara noted that AMA had built dozens of mosques across the continent, where its staff members were providing poor Muslims with hot meals for Iftar and Suhoor.

“To feed a village at each mosque every day during Ramadan costs us about 2,500 rand ($230),” he said.

He added that his organization also provided uncooked food packages to poor families who preferred to prepare their own meals.

When asked where AMA obtained its funding, Choonara explained: “We normally raise funds from the South African Muslim community, which contributes to us through zakat and other forms of donations.”

Muslims account for roughly two percent of South Africa’s population of over 50 million. Many South African Muslims are wealthy, often contributing generously to local Muslim charities.

The AMA, which was established over two decades ago, is also distributing blankets and winter clothes to less fortunate Muslims in South Africa, which is now in the middle of its winter season.



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