Tribune News Network
Doha
A traditional community Iftar was hosted by the Aligarh Muslim University Alumni Association Qatar (AMUAAQ) on March 24, the first Friday of the Holy Month of Ramadan.
The venue of the event was the picturesque Box Park -- hemmed by sea on two sides and a view of Doha sky scrapers and stadium 974 on the other two. The theme this year was ‘Charity: Being empathic to the needs of others’. More than 350 alumni of the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) and their well-wishers and families attended the event and broke their fast together.
An Islamic Quiz competition was organised on the occasion with separate categories for children aged 7-12 and those above 12 years. Younger children recited surahs in the competition. All participants were given gifts while winners and runners up were given prizes.
This was the fourth such community Iftar organised by AMUAAQ in an open area in line with the AMU tradition. The event was presided over by Dr. Nadeem Zafar Jilani, AMUAAQ president.
Jilani welcomed the gathering while Jawed Ahmad, chairman of AMUAAQ, introduced the special guests – MC Mohammed, Mumtaz Hussain, Sabith Saheer (ex-GS, ICBF), Satyendra Pathak, Syed Ali, Khwaja Nijamuddin Ahmad, Vaqas Ahmad, Dr. Fuad Usman and chief guest of the event from Russian Embassy, Captain Pavel Burmistrov.
Maulana Ishtiaq Ahmad Falahi spoke on the importance of the Holy Month of Ramadan and Zakat. “Ramadan is a wonderful opportunity to repent for sins and wrong doings,” he said, adding: “We should take the momentum forward and work for the purity of soul and enhancement of Taqwa.’
Prayer and dua were jointly performed on the ground by the men and women after Iftar.
AMUAAQ managing committee members Faisal Naseem (VP), Farman Khan (GS), Dr. Ashna Nusrat (VP Ladies) and Heads of portfolios Mamnoon Bangash, Farrukh Farooqi, Dr. Mohammed Nayeem, Dr. Syed Intekhab Alam, Ghazala Yasmin, Saima Rafat, Imaduddin Ahmad, Abad Khan; advisory members Prof. Javed Zaidi, Nishat Ali Khan, Gufran Aki Khan, Syed Shahabuddin, Mansoor Alam, Lutfi Kakar, Yawer Hussain, Mohd. Imaduddin, Shafqat Nabi; board members Gauhar Ahmad, Mohammed Shakeb Ahsan, Sanjeev Kumar Sharma; senior Aligs and community leaders Ahmad Azim Khan, Zarrar Ahmad Tipu, Ali Imran, Dr. Imtiyaz, Dr. Imran, Dr. Sufia, Dr. Hasan Rizvi, Dr. Sikandar, Dr. Nawsheeba, Hassan Arshad, Danish Ali Khan, Mohshin Kamal, Majid Ali (president IUA), Irfan Ansar (founder president BSF), Moahmin Alvi (GS, IUA), Mohammed Irfan, Omar, Gulam Rasool (TWA), Pramod Kumar and members of AMUAAQ sports, toastmasters, healthcare wings and many more community representatives attended.
Ahmad Azim Khan was awarded certificates and mementos in recognition of his support for AMU alumni and other community members. Annual Day recognition certificates and mementos were also given to Yawer Hussain, Mansoor Alam and Poonam Sharma for previous Annual Day.
Dr Nadeem Zafar Jilani said that “Today, we had a great time with so many attendees. Ramadan is truly a period where our spirituality, ties with our family and community bonds strengthens us and allows us to become the best version of ourselves.”
Er. Jawed Ahmad said that “Ramadan is a month of sharing and caring for one another and reflecting on our inner self and feeling grateful to Allah as also for showing generosity to the less fortunate people.”
