ISLAMABAD: Before dusk starts to prevail and the time for Iftar approaches, students of Quaid-i-Azam University in Islamabad, Pakistan’s leading university, come together to prepare for a scrumptious iftar.
In a heartwarming display of unity, Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, and others come together, embodying the spirit of interfaith harmony through peace, tolerance and brotherhood.
This gathering includes not only students from the campus hostels but also faculty members, staff, security guards, and passersby, all sharing in the experience of breaking their fast while expressing gratitude to one another on QAU Ramadan Dastarkhwan- a traditional dining space where food is eaten.
Adjacent to the central library at relocated famous Majeed Huts, students remain busy preparing for Iftar, the evening meal that breaks the fast.
The students, representing different faiths—Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, and Christian—worked side by side, while majority of girls students skillfully make Pakoras, Samosas, vegetable rolls, chana chat, and making coloured lemonade and Sharbat, arranging dates to eat and setting out colourful platters of fruits (Chat).
Launched in 2016 at Majeed Huts, the venerable dhaba of Quaid-e-Azam University, this remarkable Quaidain Ramadan Dastarkhwan was the brainchild of Shabbir Hussain Ludharh, then a History student.
What sets this Dastarkhwan apart is its heartwarming spirit of unity; students from diverse faiths gather to break their fast together, creating a vibrant tapestry of communal harmony.
Esteemed alumni and bureaucrats frequent the Dastarkhwan, championing compassion and kindness. It’s particularly inspiring to witness Hindu, Christian, and Sikh students stepping forward to support their Muslim peers, fostering interfaith solidarity.
Every day, iftar is prepared for three hundred individuals, with additional meal boxes distributed to hostel residents. Notably, female students play a pivotal role in orchestrating the Dastarkhwan, showcasing their leadership and commitment to this noble cause.
In conversation with WE News English, Shabbir Hussain Ludharh, the visionary behind this Ramadan dastarkhawan, shared that since its inception in 2016, the dedication of students has remained unwavering, just as it was on the very first day. “Students from QAU, representing Muslim, Hindu, and Christian communities, unite each day to prepare iftar for 300 people,” Ludharh explained, emphasizing that the essence of this initiative transcends religion and background, promoting the idea that we are all part of one humanity.
He expressed, “Our goal is to dispel the hatred that arises from exploitation in the name of religion.” A proud alumnus of the university, Ludharh noted that the initiative relies solely on the goodwill of students, faculty, alumni, social and political figures with no external funding to support this noble cause.
He said in previous iftar get-together, vice chancellor, deans and faculty members also took part in it and this continued till today.
Ludharh did acknowledge some challenges, recounting an incident where a local cleric issued a decree stating that the iftar from this dastarkhawan contradicted Islamic principles and demanded its immediate closure.
Sandeep Chawla, a student from QAU and one of the enthusiastic minds behind the Ramadan dastarkhawn, expressed, “Just yesterday, we celebrated Holi together; today, we unite for Ramadan, and tomorrow, we’ll gather again for Christmas.”
Echoing this sentiment, fellow student Sumbul Sidiqque shared, “Every iftar, we come together at Majeed Huts to converse and share a meal. Regardless of our backgrounds—whether affluent or struggling, student or teacher, local villager or passing traveller—everyone is welcomed here to break their fast as one community.”
Amar Singh added, “As we reach the midpoint of Ramadan, we’re busy preparing iftar for all who join us in breaking their fast. Muslims celebrate Holi alongside us too. We, as students, wholeheartedly agree that humanity transcends all boundaries. It’s time to put an end to the animosity that religion can sometimes breed.”
Murtaza Noor, secretary of the QAU Alumni Association, emphasized, “We don’t seek donations; we personally pool our resources. For the past nine years, we’ve been organizing this Ramadan dastarkhawn as a labour of love. Our aim is not just to foster interfaith harmony but to cultivate understanding and patience among us.”
He also noted that in addition to this Ramadan gathering, students come together to celebrate Holi, Diwali, Nauroz, Easter, Christmas, and other cultural and religious festivities.
Participants at the dastarkhawn expressed, “Tonight, we celebrate not merely our faiths but the bonds of friendship that unite us. In a world that often endeavours to divide, let this gathering serve as a beautiful reminder of our shared humanity.
