Bangladeshis organise iftar at Nilai mosque

 

PHOTO ESSAY | Every Sunday, during the month of Ramadan, worshippers of Al-Azim Mosque in Taman Semarak, Nilai, partake in iftar (breaking fast) with Muslim migrant workers living in the locale, particularly the Bangladeshi community.

Mosque chairperson Md Fakarudin Ab Rahman said the migrant community has participated in the weekly gathering for the past three years.

“In the past, they were merely observers but now many express a desire to contribute meaningfully,” Fakarudin told Malaysiakini.

“As administrators, our role is to extend our invitation to all Muslims, irrespective of background, to support the mosque and celebrate the people’s generosity.”

Notably, the volunteers not only cook but gather food donations weekly, totaling more than RM3,000, a remarkable sum.

Hafizul Rahman Asynur, the leader of the Bangladeshi community, expressed his gratitude for the mosque’s efforts in hosting the iftar.

Volunteers cook biryani masala rice using spices from Bangladesh

“We occasionally receive donations from companies. This week, United U-Li Sdn Bhd, a steel company where some of us work, helped us purchase food items,” he shared.

Md Mekul, a migrant worker, balances sliced watermelon on his head

Al-Azim Mosque chairperson Md Fakarudin Ab Rahman

The floor is lined with plastic film to ensure cleanliness in the mosque

Rice, vegetables and fruit are placed in trays before they are served

Taman Semarak is home to a large community of migrant workers

Volunteers deliver meals as the mosque fills with worshippers before iftar

A congregation of 500 Bangladeshis waiting to break their fast

Worshippers enjoy food served on a tray

Congregants gather for Maghrib prayer after breaking fast