The Dawoodi Bohra community of Colombo hosted an Iftar gathering at the community centre in Bambalapitiya, Colombo on March 5, 2025. The event brought together dignitaries, diplomats, and members of the Dawoodi Bohra community to celebrate the spirit of Ramadan.
The program commenced with the recitation of the Quran followed by the renditions of Arabic and Urdu nasheeds by students of Aljamea-tus-Saifiyah.
Several dignitaries were in attendance, including Mr. Hanif Yusuf, Governor of the Western Province; Hon. Dr. Rizvie Salih, Deputy Speaker and Chair of Committees at the Parliament of Sri Lanka; H.E. Mr. Adel Ibrahim, Ambassador of Egypt to Sri Lanka; Major General (R) Faheem Ul Aziz, Ambassador of Pakistan to Sri Lanka; H.E. Mr. Khaled Nasser AlAmeri, Ambassador of UAE to Sri Lanka; and H.E. Mr. Semith Lutfu Turgut, Ambassador of Turkey to Sri Lanka.
“It is truly an honor to witness your commitment to hosting this meaningful Quran program and Iftar during the blessed month of Ramadan—a time of reflection, devotion, and unity,” said Hon. Dr. Rizvie Salih addressing community members.
Khuzaima Abidali Jafferjee, of the community, delivered a special message on behalf of His Holiness in which he conveyed his greetings and regards to all the attendees.
H.E. Mr. Adel Ibrahim expressed his admiration, stating, “I was really honored and touched by your deep respect and the beautiful (way of) Islam you represent.”
Mufaddal Zainuddin Adamjee, lead of community outreach, also highlighted the significance of the annual Ashara Mubaraka event observed by the community. He thanked all the guests for their support in setting up a relay centre at Colombo at the start of this Islamic year.
Guests were then escorted to the Iftar Hall for prayers and a traditional Dawoodi Bohra meal served in thaals, or a large steel platter. Each thaal was hosted by a community member, who explained the customs and traditions, such as washing hands before and after the meal with chilamchi (steel vessels), tasting salt before and after the meal, and adhering to a zero-waste policy.
The evening concluded on a note of gratitude and camaraderie, reflecting the essence of Ramadan as a time for fostering connections and strengthening communal bonds. The event not only celebrated the spiritual significance of the holy month but also showcased the Dawoodi Bohra community’s dedication to build bridges with the wider society.