Dubai: Representatives of Al Manar Islamic Centre ended their fast on Monday evening at the Jebel Ali-based Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara during an iftar organised by the temple committee that represents 250,000 members of the Sikh community. The iftar followed a religious discourse where scholars exchanged ideas.

Both Sikh priests and Islamic scholars exchanged ideas on the oneness of humanity and existence of one God before a gathering of more than 100 people.

Islamic scholars Abdul Hadi and Ahmad Hamid explained the importance of fasting during the month of Ramadan. “This month is about mercy, blessings, piety, wisdom and discipline and the goal of fasting is to attain god consciousness,” said Hamid.

Surinder Singh Kandhari, chairman of the Gurudwara, 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 gurudwara plays in bringing people together to share a meal. Every day we hold a langar (free meal for the community) for 1,000 people at the Sikh temple and on Fridays for 10,000 people. This iftar, which has become an annual feature since last year, is an excellent opportunity for us to forget our egos and come together and share a meal with our Muslim brothers.”

Celebrating the spirit of Ramadan, S.P. Oberoi, another prominent member of the Sikh community, is holding a series of blood donation camps and four iftars in different mosques in Dubai where 2,500 people will be given packets of food, fruits and juices at each event.

Speaking to Gulf News he said, “This year we have organised four blood donation drives, the first of which was held on June 18 at Latifa Hospital. The other three on July 2, 9 and 16 will be held at different venues which will be announced shortly. In addition, on July 3, 10 and 17, I will be personally distributing iftar packages to at least 2,500 of our Muslim brethren in different mosques across the city. Last year, we held a massive iftar event in an Al Karama mosque. This year I hope to reach out to as many people as I can with three such events. I am extending this gesture on part of the entire Sikh community which believes in the principles of generosity and oneness of humankind.”