For the Dawoodi Bohra community, as for Muslims worldwide, the holy month of Ramadan is a time of reflection, prayer, and giving. It is a sacred period during which the faithful fast from dawn until dusk. The culmination of the fast is marked with iftar, gathering loved ones around a shared meal in a moment of unity and togetherness.This practice transcends physical sustenance, bringing forth what is known in Islam as barakah, or divine blessings.
The concept of barakah is deeply intertwined with the act of sharing—particularly food, the most fundamental human necessity. The Prophet Mohammed ﷺ was known to encourage sharing food, instructing Muslims to share their food with anyone who passes by and greets them with salaam. Imam Ali’s statement emphasises the spiritual blessings of sharing meals:
It teaches us that it is not simply the quantity of food that holds importance, but the unity and affection that arises from coming together and sharing it. The essence of this sharing is what invites barakah—abundance in ways we may not always readily perceive.
The practice of sharing meals is, at its core, a universal and enduring tradition. It is a simple yet significant act that cultivates togetherness, strengthens relationships, and celebrates the shared values and culture of a community. In Islam, offering food becomes an act of compassion and devotion—especially during the month of Ramadan, a time devoted to strengthening our connection with the Creator and one another.
The Fatimi imams, descendants of the Prophet Mohammed ﷺ , were renowned for their generosity in providing food, particularly during Ramadan in Cairo (during Fatimi rule in Egypt in the 10th to 12th centuries). In his book al Dawla al Fatimiya fi Misr, Dr Ayman Fuad Sayyid has described the ceremonies associated with the Simaat or daily communal feasts, where the Fatimi Imams would invite people to come together during this holy month. These vast gatherings were also a way to promote the Islamic values of unity, brotherhood, and harmony. This Fatimi tradition continues today, with communal iftar meals still a central part of Ramadan celebrations across Egypt and the wider Muslim world.
The legacy of the Prophet and the Fatimi imams continues to inspire the Dawoodi Bohra community. Each night during the month of Ramadan, after gathering for congregational prayers, they come together for communal iftar meals that serve as more than a chance to break the fast. These gatherings provide an opportunity to fortify the bonds of friendship and unity and reaffirm the value of sharing. When seated around the thaal, a large circular tray on which the meal is served, everyone shares the food as equals, embracing the Islamic principles of equality and respect.
During the holy month, local Dawoodi Bohra communities in all parts of the world often extend iftar invitations beyond their members, reaching out to neighbours, friends, local officials, and faith leaders. This inclusivity fosters unity and understanding and encourages meaningful interfaith dialogue, bridging divides between diverse groups. Through the act of sharing meals, the Bohra community works to build a more compassionate and interconnected society.
By eating together, the meal becomes something much greater than mere sustenance; it turns into an opportunity to build relationships, nurture trust, and honour one another as equals.
Scientific research supports what these timeless traditions teach us: Eating together, whether with family or community, fosters emotional connections, nurtures stability, and promotes a sense of security and belonging, especially for children. Shared meals provide a space for meaningful conversation, cultural exchange, and the sharing of values.
In a supplication this Ramadan, His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin encouraged community members to embody the spirit of the holy month by sharing food with their brothers and sisters from the wider community with kindness and respect, accumulating the blessings of unity and generosity.
For the Dawoodi Bohras, the blessings of sharing food extend beyond the month of Ramadan. Year-round initiatives like the FMB community kitchens continue to bring the Bohra community together, as well as providing meals to others in need, embodying the spirit of sharing and generosity.
The Prophet Mohammed’s words, “Food for one suffices two”, encapsulate the profound message epitomised in the practice of sharing. Though barakah is often thought of as an increase or abundance—and sharing a meal would seemingly mean less food for everyone—these words show that food shared with love becomes sufficient for all. When we truly understand the concept of barakah, we realize that sharing does not deplete our resources but, rather, amplifies them—showing us that with love, a little can go a long way.
The more people gathered around the thaal, the more blessings we invite into our lives—both in terms of material abundance and in the spiritual blessings of unity, friendship, and collective strength. When food for one becomes food for two, we are inviting others to join us with equality and respect.
Gathering together and sharing food, thus, is a reminder of the broader value of community. It inspires us to share not only meals but also our time, knowledge, and resources—to work as one for the well-being of our community, society, and the world. There is strength in unity, and when we come together with love, we invite barakah—fulfillment, happiness, and prosperity.
