AA / Dakar
In Dakar, the capital of Senegal, the Christian community has mobilized to distribute meals to Muslims for breaking the Ramadan fast.
The activity is part of the program organized by the Christian associations “La Main du Coeur” and “National Council of Secularism” operating in Senegal, in line with Lent observed by the Christian community.
Young Christians, gathered in the Jet d’Eau district of Dakar, distributed water, dates, sandwiches and coffee to motorists and pedestrians crossing the area at iftar time.
Many non-governmental organizations operating in different fields also supported the action.
Marie Cardinale, the head of the association La Main du Cœur, said that the activity is back to its second edition, after that of last year.
“Today we distributed iftar meals to our Muslim friends to break their fast and also share something in common with Christians. We may have different beliefs, but we respect each other,” he said. she pointed out.
Salma Diallo of the NGO “Le Sénégal comme on l’aime”, expressed her joy at being part of such an initiative as a Muslim.
“It is an expression of what is already present in our hearts. As a Muslim from a Christian family, I can say that it is the best action I have had to do so far. It is really happy for me,” she said.
Caty Rose, an employee of the organization, for her part recalled that Ramadan this year coincides with Lent, during which Christians also observe a period of fasting.
“The wish of Senegalese youth is to best preserve this heritage left to us by our ancestors. The Muslim and Christian communities of Senegal are very close to each other,” she said.
In Senegal, which is 96% Muslim, more than 60% of the population strictly follows Sufi teachings such as Mouridism, Tariqa and Qadiriyya.
Senegal is notably cited as one of the exemplary countries where Muslims and Christians live together peacefully.
In the country, it is common to find in the same family brothers or parents belonging to different religions.
*Translated from Turkish by Alex Sinhan Bogmis
Only part of the dispatches, which Anadolu Agency broadcasts to its subscribers via the Internal Broadcasting System (HAS), is broadcast on the AA website, in a summarized manner. Please contact us to subscribe.