AYV News, March 6, 2025
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, represented by the Ambassador of the Kingdom’s Embassy in Freetown Sierra Leone, held an official ceremony to launch the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Iftar programs.
The program, held at the Mama Wurie Islamic Center Mosque on Coker Street, off Regent Road, Lumley in Freetown, distributed dates and offered Iftar meals to hundreds of Muslims and was attended by Ali Ibrahim A. Alheji, Charge d’Affaires a.i. and Minister Plenipotentiary at the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Freetown, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba, representatives from the Kingdom’s Embassy in Sierra Leone and battery of national and foreign Islamic scholars.
Ibrahim A. Alheji, Charge d’Affaires a.i. and Minister Plenipotentiary at the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Freetown, said the initiative is part of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Iftar Program, implemented by the Ministry, benefiting approximately 800 fasting men and women.
He said the iftar is part of the broader efforts by the Saudi government to support the people of Sierra Leone, adding that this includes donations of sacrificial meat and contributions to local feeding programs.
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba extended the country’s heartfelt thanks to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and HRH the Crown Prince for their generous contribution, which he hoped will become an annual tradition.
He further expressed deep appreciation, on behalf of the President, Dr. Julius Maada Bio to the King of Saudi Arabia for their support, particularly in fostering the longstanding bilateral relations between Sierra Leone and Saudi Arabia, underscoring the importance of strengthening these ties to enhance cooperation in education, health and development, ultimately benefiting both nations and the broader Islamic community.
Minister Kabba noted the significance of the Iftar event organised by the Saudi Arabian Embassy, which he said seeks to unite the Islamic community for prayer and solidarity during Ramadan. He mentioned that this initiative, directed by the King of Saudi Arabia, reflects the core values of Islam, including compassion and generosity toward those in need.
He concluded by praying for the continued protection and prosperity of the Kingdom, its leadership, and its people, and for Allah to reward the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for his noble deeds.
Beneficiaries of the initiative also expressed their sincere gratitude to the Kingdom for its continued generosity, praying for Allah to bestow blessings upon the Kingdom and its leadership and to grant peace and prosperity to its people.
