By Malik Hayyan Khan & Mohd Naushad Khan
NEW DELHI: Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) hosted a unique Iftar gathering at its headquarters on Sunday, inviting people living in its neighbourhood on a large scale.
Although the Jamaat has been inviting its neighbours to Iftar programmes ever since its headquarters shifted from Chitli Qabar in Old Delhi to Abul Fazal Enclave, this was the first time that the organisation ensured that almost all prominent residents of the surrounding locality were invited to the event.
The initiative appears to be part of the Jamaat’s recently launched ‘Ideal Neighbourhood’ campaign, which seeks to promote cordial and meaningful relations among neighbours. The campaign emphasises the importance of strengthening neighbourhood bonds—something that has increasingly weakened in large metropolitan cities where people often live under stress and remain disconnected from those around them.
More than one thousand people, including a large number of women, attended the Iftar programme. The gathering included professionals, academicians, journalists, and social activists from various walks of life.
Many neighbours appreciated the Jamaat’s initiative of inviting residents of the locality to the Iftar gathering. Advocate Najmi Khan, who lives in Bhaskar Compound adjoining the Jamaat’s headquarters, said that the programme reflected the Islamic teaching that emphasises giving special care and attention to neighbours.
On the occasion, a documentary highlighting the journey and contributions of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind was screened for the attendees. The film traced the organisation’s evolution from the time of India’s Independence to the present, and showcased its activities in various social, educational, and humanitarian fields carried out through the network of institutions and organisations established by JIH over the years.
Prior to iftar, JIH President Syed Sadatullah Husaini addressed the audience. In his address, he emphasized the importance of strengthening one’s relations with the Qur’an during the holy month of Ramadan and imbuing its teachings into everyday life.
Mr Husaini said that Ramadan is widely known as the “month of the Qur’an,” and Muslims are encouraged to engage deeply with the holy text during this period. He noted that believers traditionally read the Qur’an during the day and listen to its recitation at night, practices that help nurture spiritual reflection and devotion.
However, Mr Husaini stressed that simply reading or listening to the Qur’an is not sufficient. According to him, the true objective of engaging with the scripture is to understand its message and follow its guidance in daily life. He said that the Qur’an calls upon believers to build their lives around its teachings and values, making them a practical part of their personal and social conduct.
To achieve this, the JIH President explained, Muslims need to cultivate qualities such as strong willpower, self-discipline, and Taqwaa or a sense of God-consciousness. These qualities, he said, help individuals live according to the ethical and spiritual guidance provided in the Qur’an.
Highlighting the significance of fasting during Ramadan, Mr Husaini described it as a unique system designed to develop these virtues. Fasting, he said, teaches believers to control their desires, strengthen their discipline, and develop the determination necessary to turn good intentions into meaningful action. The spiritual strength gained during Ramadan, he added, should not remain limited to the month itself but should continue guiding individuals throughout the year.
The JIH leader also addressed the responsibilities of Muslims living in areas that serve as centres for Islamic institutions and movements. Such communities, he said, should act as role models for the wider society. The environment in these places should reflect the values that the Qur’an seeks to promote, including strong moral character, unity, and commitment to ethical principles.
He urged participants to work collectively with a spirit of teamwork and community engagement to build a society that reflects these ideals. By doing so, he said, they could present an example of a Qur’anic society not only to the nation but also to the wider world.
Earlier in the programme, a documentary showcasing the journey and contributions of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind was screened for the attendees. Husaini concluded his address by welcoming the participants, thanking them for attending the gathering, and praying that the event would bring blessings and help strengthen their shared commitment to the Qur’an’s message.
