Supporting hundreds of families
Najaf charity initiative provides iftar, aid to orphans and widows in Najaf
NAJAF — Hundreds of orphans and widows converge every Friday in a spacious garden near Najaf Airport to receive iftar meals, food baskets, and Eid clothing, organizers said.
The “Qahtan Al-Khair” initiative, named after the late Dr. Qahtan Al‑Zubur—a key supporter before his passing—was launched in 2011 by the Rasul Al‑Azam Foundation with contributions from doctors and philanthropists both inside and outside Iraq.
Dr. Ali Al‑Zuhairi, one of the project’s founders, said the initiative costs around 250 million IQD ($169,725) per month. “We provide thousands of meals daily and distribute large food baskets containing 30 essential items before Ramadan,” he said.
Every Friday, the project serves more than 700 registered families, organizing them into smaller groups over several weeks. After iftar, children receive new clothes and cash gifts for Eid.
Iftar, the evening meal that breaks the fast during Ramadan, occurs at sunset, marking the end of a day-long fast that begins at dawn.
Dr. Rasul Aziz Ma’ala, another founding member, said the program ensures the provision of high-quality meals including rice, meat, soup, desserts, fruits, and more. “We cook in large quantities so families can take leftovers home,” he said.
