The Diyarbakir branch of Mustazaflar Association  hosted an iftar dinner programme in a wedding hall. Political parties, civil society organisation representatives, scholars, opinion leaders and volunteers of the union joined the programme.

The iftar programme started with the recitation of the Holy Quran followed with a speech by the Chairman of the Diyarbakir branch of the union; Osman Aktas. Aktas expressed they have had the opportunity to experience the circle of the great brotherhood on the holy month of Ramadan. At this period where people are increasingly getting away from one another, the iftar dinners have enhanced fellowship and reveals a mission in the sense of intimacy and solidarity said Aktas.    

“We are proud to serve our people with Islamic services in many areas”

“Our services began in 2004 as Mustazaf-Der Association to improve and reconstruct our society” said Aktas. He continued, “Our association was closed with unsupported claims and accusations but despite this we never gave up and continued our services with Mustazaf Union. During this period, we have been proud to serve our people with Islamic services in many ways. We as a member of the Prophet Lovers Platform have contributed in expressing the love for our prophet with Muslims from all communities. Again, as a member of the Hope Caravan Help Platform, we have helped the poor, orphans and victims. With our membership with the Quran Generation, we have made the people meet with the Quran. With the Free Jerusalem Platform, we have have tried to draw attention to the terrorism of the Zionists in Palestine.”

“We unite against oppression and oppressors”

Aktas continued his speech, “As a member of the Islamic Civil Society Organisation, we unite against oppression and oppressors in Egypt, Syria, Bangladesh and Myanmar. We stand against the evils who try to subvert the society. At the same time, we aim to help the refuges in Sur who are now homeless due to the political pit which has led to major tragedies in our region.”  

“The month of Ramadan doesn’t only mean starving ourselves within a certain time frame”

Aktas continued: “With iftar dinners we live the climate of mercy and as you all know Ramadan is the month of the ummah as our Prophet says. During this month we should fast, read the Quran and complete our prayers including terawih if we want to become slaves of Allah. In this sense, the month of Ramadan doesn’t only mean starving ourselves within a certain time frame. So our iftar tables are not just dinner tables. Iftar is to enhance fellowship and reveals a mission in the sense of intimacy and solidarity. On the occasions of the holy month of Ramadan, we begin to experience this great feeling altogether whether rich or poor or old or young. In this sense we live the climate of mercy in iftar. (ILKHA)