Amman, March 8 (Petra) -- The Zakat Fund, in cooperation with the Directorate of Waqf Programs at the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs and Holy Sites, organized a Ramadan iftar on Sunday for orphans benefiting from the fund, as part of activities of the Orphan Day of Islamic world.

During his patronage of the iftar ceremony held at the Armed Forces Hotel, Minister of Awqaf Mohammed Khalaileh emphasized the importance of caring for and attending to orphans, considering it a religious and humanitarian duty that embodies the values of solidarity and mercy in society. He praised the role of the Zakat Fund in providing care and support to orphans and needy families.

For his part, Director General of the Zakat Fund Abed Smeirat said that organizing this iftar comes within the continuous programs and initiatives implemented by the fund to support and care for orphans and bring joy and happiness to their hearts. He noted that Awqaf directorates in various governorates of the Kingdom organized iftars for orphans in coordination with Zakat departments as part of efforts to enhance social solidarity values.

During the ceremony, which was attended by the Grand Mufti Ahmad Hasahat, Secretary General of the Ministry of Awqaf Ismail al-Khatba, and members of the Zakat Fund’s board of directors, Khalaileh distributed "Eidiya" (monetary gifts) to the orphaned children.

The ceremony included entertainment activities for children and the honoring of the head of the Orphan Sponsorship Department at the fund, Kholoud al-Assaf, in appreciation of her efforts and service to orphans upon her retirement.

Jordan and Islamic countries celebrate the Orphan Day of Islamic world on the 15th of Ramadan every year, since its approval in 2013 by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to raise awareness of orphans' rights, highlight their issues, and bring smiles to their faces through the organization of Ramadan iftars and the provision of gifts and material and moral support.

//Petra// AF