Muscat – As Ramadan approaches its final days, the spirit of giving remains strong, with individuals and organisations ensuring that those in need are not overlooked. Across Muscat, community initiatives are bringing relief to labourers, struggling families and those on the move. Among those leading such an effort is Shandar Bukhari, a Pakistani expatriate whose […]
Muscat – As Ramadan approaches its final days, the spirit of giving remains strong, with individuals and organisations ensuring that those in need are not overlooked. Across Muscat, community initiatives are bringing relief to labourers, struggling families and those on the move.
Among those leading such an effort is Shandar Bukhari, a Pakistani expatriate whose philanthropy is inspired by his late father’s legacy. His family has been involved in welfare initiatives for decades, and since 2019, he has organised community iftars for blue-collar workers and low-income families.
“My father always believed in honouring the less privileged by sharing meals during Ramadan, and I have continued his tradition,” Bukhari said. “It’s our duty to serve, whether prices rise or fall. Giving charity is an obligation, not a choice.”
This year, Bukhari and his team have distributed food bags to 150 families, providing essentials for over 750 individuals for the entire month. They also hosted an iftar for more than 500 workers. The iftar was held in the presence of H E Dr Syed Naveed Safdar Bokhari, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Oman, and Sheikh Syed Fayyaz Ali Shah, a prominent Pakistani businessman.
Large-scale distributions, however, come with challenges. “We’ve faced chaos before when distributing food in industrial areas. People fear they won’t get their share, leading to disorder. That’s why we implement queue systems and organised distribution points,” Bukhari explained.
Atif Khan and Mohammad Yousuf, two Indian expatriates, have also been distributing iftar meals among those who cannot reach home in time to break fast, such as taxi drivers, construction workers and labourers. “Whether prices of daily essentials increase or decrease, it does not change our duty,” said Khan.
“Ramadan is about generosity, not financial calculations. By giving away free iftar boxes every day to the needy, we are trying to support the less fortunate,” Yousuf added. “Although these men come from different backgrounds and cultures, humanity binds us together.”
Many companies have incorporated iftar kit distribution in their corporate social responsibility programmes. These kits typically include dates, laban, fruit, snacks and nuts.
“I am working at a construction site in Darsait and do not have time to return to my camp in Wadi Adai to break fast. This iftar distribution is really a blessing,” said a labourer.
With the spirit of giving at its peak, efforts continue to ensure that no one breaks their fast alone, reinforcing the sense of community that defines Ramadan.
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