UCA News
Contribute

Monks feed fasting Muslims over Ramadan

Buddhists distribute food packs to hundreds of poor people
Monks feed fasting Muslims over Ramadan

A Bangladeshi Buddhist monk distributes tokens among Muslims for collecting Iftar meals for breaking fast in the main shrine of Dhammarajika Monastery in Dhaka. (Photo AFP/ Munir uz ZAMAN)

Published: July 08, 2015 04:39 AM GMT
Updated: June 10, 2016 09:28 AM GMT

A Buddhist monastery in Bangladesh is serving food to hundreds of poor Muslims during Ramadan, in a rare example of social harmony between the religions in the South Asian nation.

Dharmarajika, in the capital Dhaka, has become a hit on social media since it started distributing daily food packs for Muslims who break their fast during the Islamic month at sunset, known as Iftar.

"Buddhism taught us that serving humanity is the ultimate religion. We are feeding the poor Muslims who cannot afford to buy proper meals to break their fast," Suddhananda Mahathero, the head monk of the monastery, said.

More than 300 Muslims were waiting at the gate of the monastery in Dhaka's Basabo neighborhood earlier this week to receive some Iftar delicacies.

"I can eat some good food served with love and care," said Amena Khatun, 70, who added that she had walked several kilometers to get there.

As a young monk distributed tickets to hungry Muslims, police were on hand to ensure the process remained orderly.

"This is such a wonderful example of religious harmony: showing respect and affection to the fasting neighbors without thinking of the difference of religions," said policeman Asad Uzzaman.

Muslims make up around 90 percent of Bangladesh's 160 million population, with a tiny community of Buddhists residing mostly in the country's southeastern districts bordering Myanmar.

In September 2012, tens of thousands of Muslims vandalised and torched nearly a dozen Buddhist temples in the south of the country following allegations that a Buddhist man had desecrated the Koran.

Many Muslims took to social media to thank the Dharmarajika monastery for their food distribution, posting photos on Facebook of the yellow-clad monks handing out supplies. Others praised the monks on Twitter. 

"I really appreciate the initiative and thank them," Nur Hossain, a banker, said.

The monastery was established in 1949 and is home to more than 700 orphans who study at a free school it runs.AFP

 

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia