Iftar on the move: volunteers serve meals to Dhi Qar travelers

NASIRIYAH — In Dhi Qar, many residents struggle to get home in time for iftar during Ramadan. In response, local volunteers have stepped in, providing free meals each evening to ensure that no one breaks their fast hungry.

For the second consecutive year, the Majanan Fi Dhi Qar initiative has set up an iftar station at the entrance to Nasiriyah, near the Directorate of Youth. The service caters to taxi drivers, laborers, and travelers who remain on the road at iftar time. Donations fund meals of water, yogurt, dates, soup, fruits, and vegetables, helping the community observe the timely breaking of fast as required by Islamic tradition.

Islamic practice calls for breaking the fast immediately at Maghrib Adhan, the sunset call to prayer, a mandate that underscores the importance of a prompt iftar.

Project coordinator Mohammed Saleh told 964media that the initiative continues to expand.

“Majanan Fi Dhi Qar has been carrying out various volunteer activities for the second year in a row,” Saleh said. “We started with the Iftar Station, where we provide meals that include water, yogurt, dates, soup, fruits, vegetables, and more.”

Saleh emphasized that the program relies entirely on community support. “The meals are intended for passersby, taxi and transport drivers, workers, and those returning home late,” he said. “The campaign is directly supported by kind-hearted people who contribute not just to this effort, but to other charitable activities under our project.”

Beyond the iftar station, the initiative distributes food baskets, clothing for orphans and underprivileged children, and even organizes livestock sacrifices to support those in need.

Volunteer Ali Al-Saidi described the scale of the operation.

“We prepare more than seven different types of food and drinks to serve families and the community in Dhi Qar,” Al-Saidi said. “The beneficiaries include families living in dormitories, taxi and motorcycle drivers, and anyone who cannot make it home in time for iftar.”

Local resident Imad Sabri added that the effort has made a meaningful impact in the community.

“This is a wonderful initiative. May God bless them and grant them more goodness,” he said. “We appreciate their efforts and hope this holy month brings blessings to Iraq.”