🕋 The Blessings of Feeding the Fasting in the Haramain Shareefain 🕋
The Haramain Shareefain—al-Masjid al-Haram in Makkah and al-Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah—hold a special place in the hearts of Muslims worldwide. During Ramadan, these blessed cities fill with worshippers seeking Allah’s pleasure through prayer, fasting, reading Quran Kareem and other devotional activities. One of the most beautiful traditions in these sacred spaces is providing ifṭār (the meal to break the fast) to those observing the fast. Below are some key benefits and virtues of participating in this noble practice:
1. Earning the Reward of the Fasting Person 🌙
One of the most frequently quoted hadith regarding feeding a fasting person is:
“Whoever gives food to a fasting person to break his fast, he will have a reward like theirs,
without that detracting from their reward in the slightest.” — [Tirmidhi]
By preparing or sponsoring meals for the fasting in Makkah and Madinah, you can share in the blessings and immense spiritual reward of all who break their fast with your contribution. In the Haramain Shareefain—where every deed is multiplied—the reward for such an act is especially significant.
2. Fostering Unity and Brotherhood 🤝
Sharing food at ifṭār gatherings in the Haramain brings people from diverse backgrounds together. It’s a beautiful sight: pilgrims from different countries sitting shoulder to shoulder, breaking their fast with dates and water, then offering prayers in congregation. This shared experience:
- Strengthens bonds among believers
- Encourages feelings of empathy and compassion
- Cultivates a sense of global Muslim unity
3. Upholding the Sunnah of Generosity 🌸
Generosity is an established sunnah of the Prophet Muḥammad (peace be upon him). By hosting or contributing to ifṭār in the Haramain, one revives and follows the Prophet’s example:
“The Prophet (peace be upon him) was the most generous of people, and he was most generous during Ramadan.” — [Bukhari]
Providing food and hospitality in these most sacred places not only reflects this Prophetic quality but also inspires others to do the same.
4. Cultivating Gratitude and Humility 🙏
Feeding those who are fasting highlights the blessings we enjoy daily—often taken for granted. Standing amid thousands of pilgrims in the Haramain teaches humility:
- You witness travelers who have come with limited resources, relying on the kindness of fellow Muslims.
- You appreciate your own ability to help, even in small ways, and acknowledge that this ability itself is a blessing from Allah.
The act of serving and sharing what you have fosters a sense of gratitude and reminds you that everything you possess is ultimately a trust from Allah.
5. Strengthening Your Connection to the Holy Sites 🕌
When you actively participate in charitable initiatives—particularly feeding the fasting—within the Haramain Shareefain, the atmosphere of worship and devotion becomes more personal and meaningful. Your visit to the holiest sites is no longer merely about personal spiritual rituals; it transforms into an opportunity to:
- Engage in community service
- Make lasting connections with fellow believers
- Leave a legacy of kindness in the very places most beloved to Allah
6. Encouraging a Ripple Effect of Good Deeds 🌟
A single act of feeding one fasting person can inspire numerous acts of goodness. People who experience kindness in the Haramain often go back to their home countries and share these stories, inspiring friends and family to engage in similar deeds. In this way, your single act of generosity can create a ripple effect of generosity around the world.