– Syed Khalid Husain
In the true spirit of Islamic brotherhood and equality and a reversal of roles not usually witnessed at such gatherings, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) office-bearers – right from its Ameer down to the secretaries and their assistants – played hosts to their employees at a rare iftar programme at the JIH Complex in South Delhi’s Abul Fazal Enclave, Okhla on Tuesday.
The day’s “special guests” were the JIH Markaz’s (Centre’s) receptionists, gardeners, cooks and other mess staff, as well as cleaners.
The programme began with the JIH leaders laying the dinner tables and putting the plates, glasses and water jugs on them. They then served these employees the iftar that included traditional items such as pakorey (gram-flour fritters), fruit chaat (spicy salad), chholey (delicious spicy chickpeas) and beverages.
Then after performing the congregational Maghrib prayers, these elders served their guests of the day dinner which comprised everybody’s favourite rice dish, biryani, with raita and zarda (sweet saffron rice). These “caterers” even refilled the dishes until all their guests had eaten to their heart’s content. Only after that did the JIH office-bearers themselves sit down for the meal.
The whole episode was a pleasant surprise not only for the employees who would normally cater to the JIH office-bearers food, tea, snacks and water throughout the year, but also for those who happened to witness the atmosphere at the unique event. The function ended on a happy and positive note, leaving an imprint of mutual love, respect and camaraderie between the JIH elders and their staff for good.
Although such collective iftar programmes are held every year at the JIH Campus, including at the Al-Shifa Hospital and the Islamic Academy, Tuesday’s event was different and has set a benchmark for other Muslim religious, social and political organisations, offices and other institutions.
