IFTAR PARTIES-BUILD BRIDGES

Food and sharing food goes a long way in making friends. During the month of Ramdan Iftar(breaking fast)
with family and friends has been an ancient tradition of the Islamic Society.In the Arab world it is common
to see huge crowds of people sharing Iftar meals in mosques and public squares under especially erected
tents. While at the higher end, the well heeled also indulge in this ritual.
Bill Clinton, former US President started the trend or was it Bush Senior, of holding Iftar for selected
leaders of the Muslims community in the US.
In India the largest democracy having the largest minority about 200 million Muslims. The trend of
holding Iftar parties was started by India's first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru. It served the
purpose brought politicians of all parties together in spirit of bonhomie, though for a short while.
No known scholar(islamic) has condemned these Iftar parties.
There should not so much of hue and cry at the Vice President of India Hamid Ansari hosting an Iftar
party. The Indian missions all over the Gulf and Arab countries do so inviting local dignitaries and expat Indians.