DUBAI—This week on Monday evening, some Muslims ending their fast in Dubai got a surprise: an iftar meal from the local Sikh Gurdwara.
Members of the Al Manar Islamic Centre had their iftar meal provided by the Guru Nanak Darbar – the biggest Gurdwara in the Gulf region. Afterwards, scholars from both religions held a discussion on the values they shared. The meal was vegetarian of course.
This is the second year in a row the huge Gurdwara in Dubai has hosted an iftar dinner for Muslims. They plan to make it an annual event.
Surinder Singh Kandhari, chairman of the Gurdwara, said it was an excellent opportunity to “forget our egos and come together and share a meal with our Muslim brothers.”
He told Gulf News: “We consider the month of Ramadan an excellent time to observe interfaith harmony and bond with the community.”
“Our religion has taught us the importance of the oneness of all human beings and the important role that the community kitchen at the Gurdwara plays in bringing people together to share a meal.”
The Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara in Dubai opened in 2010 at a cost of $20 million; the land was donated for free by the Emir of Dubai. There are around 10,000 Sikhs in Dubai and are estimated to number around 250,000 in the entire region.
Unlike other places, the Gurdwara is allowed to serve langar the whole day even during the holy month of Ramadan.
Surjit Kaur, who had come from Punjab to visit her son was a bit over-whelmed. She told a reporter: “I have never seen anything like this before.”
Glad that Sikhs did this act. Hope that the Muslims liked the vegetarian meal. And hope that they also sat through the bhajans and prayers