A breath of fresh air: People gathering with their family and friends to break fast at the Dataran Masjid Muhammadi in Kota Baru, Kelantan, which offers a unique atmosphere during Ramadan. — Bernama
KOTA BARU: Since the beginning of Ramadan, Masjid Muhammadi here has been the centre of attraction for many Muslims not only from Kelantan, but even from Terengganu, who break their fast on the grounds of the mosque with their family members.
The Kelantan state mosque here also provides comfortable facilities for visitors. There is free food as well for the breaking of fast.
The mosque’s Imam Tua II, Nik Mohd Afif Azhan Nik Mohd Naidi, said that the idea of making the mosque compound a place for breaking the fast came from the members of the mosque committee.
“This is the first year that we have the breaking of fast held in the mosque compound. People are satisfied – not only is the place attractive but they can also perform their maghrib, isyak and terawih prayers.
“The response is extraordinary as we have people as far as Gua Musang, Jeli, and Jerteh, in Terengganu, coming to the mosque for the breaking of fast,” he said.
Nik Mohd Afif Azhan said the mosque, which can accommodate 5,000 people, has allocated special funding to provide food for 500 to 2,000 people daily.
“The mosque provides facilities such as mats, free dishes such as nasi Arab, chicken dish, daging singgang (beef dish), fish, delicacies and drinks for the visitors,” he added.
He said that the initiative by the mosque had gone viral on social media and this attracted more people.
Lan Hawari Mohamad, 70, from Kampung Raja Jerteh, Terengganu, said it was his third breaking of fast at the mosque this year.
“The first time was when I was looking for a place to break my fast and saw many people at the mosque. I joined in and got to meet many of my friends. That got me coming here again and I like the atmosphere of breaking the fast here,” he added.
Mokhtar Yasin Mustafa, 47, from Bachok said he learned about breaking the fast at the mosque after it went viral on TikTok and Facebook.
Private sector retiree Daros Stam, 60, said he and his wife came to break their fast because they were excited by the festive atmosphere and it was easier for them to pray because they were in the mosque area. — Bernama
