A Jordanian Iftar: A Celebration of Faith, Culture, and Diplomacy

by Kirtan Bhana - TDS

15 March 2025

In the spirit of Ramadan, Dr. Wasfi Ayyad, Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to South Africa, hosted Iftar at his official residence in Pretoria. The event brought together diplomats, community members, and friends of Jordan to share in the time-honored tradition of breaking fast during the Islamic holy month.

Among the dignitaries who observed Iftar and joined the Salah prayers led by Dr. Abdel Wahab, Ambassador of Libya to South Africa, were former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, Dr. Naledi Pandor, as well as the Dean of the Arab Diplomatic Group, Mahash Saeed Alhameli, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to South Africa.

Ramadan, guided by the lunar calendar, begins with the sighting of the crescent moon in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is a sacred time marked by fasting from dawn to sunset, beginning with a pre-dawn meal (sahur) and concluding with Iftar at sunset. The fast is broken with dates and water, a cherished tradition in the Middle East, followed by a meal shared in unity and gratitude.

More than abstaining from food and drink, Ramadan is a period of introspection, spiritual reflection, and discipline. It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, alongside faith, prayer, charity, and pilgrimage. Reading or reciting the Quran is a significant daily practice that strengthens faith and deepens one's connection to Allah. Empathy through almsgiving serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of humanity and the importance of generosity. In Jordan, as well as across the Arab and Islamic world, Ramadan is a time of heightened worship and cherished family gatherings, embodying values of tolerance, mercy, and selflessness.

The Iftar at the residence of the Jordanian Ambassador was a rich culinary experience featuring iconic Jordanian dishes. The highlight of the evening was Mansaf, Jordan’s national dish, a fragrant combination of rice, tender lamb, and a distinctive fermented yogurt sauce, served as a symbol of hospitality and unity. Guests also enjoyed soups, falafel and hummus along with other delicacies from the region. The evening concluded on a sweet note with an array of Jordanian desserts, including Knafeh, a cheese pastry drizzled with syrup and garnished with pistachios and Qatayef, a traditional Middle Eastern stuffed pancake.

The gathering brought together diplomats from Arab embassies in Pretoria, Jordanian families and businesspeople residing in South Africa, and friends of Jordan, reinforcing the bonds of friendship between nations. The event highlighted the role of Iftar not only as a religious observance but also as a powerful diplomatic tradition that fosters cultural exchange and unity.

As the evening came to a close, guests left with a deeper appreciation of Jordanian hospitality and the unifying spirit of Ramadan. In a world where cultural understanding is key to international relations, such gatherings serve as a reminder of the shared values that transcend borders - faith, generosity, and the spirit of community.