Sufi Dar: An interfaith temple in Chennai that serves ‘Iftar’ to Muslims during Ramadan

By Syed Ali Mujtaba

Here’s a heartwarming story of compassion, faith, and unity that shines brightly from India!

In the heart of Chennai, an interfaith spiritual center called Sufi Dar has been serving Iftar to Muslim devotees during the holy month of Ramadan—for nearly 40 years.

As the sun sets at Wallajah Mosque in Triplicane, an inspiring scene unfolds. Every evening, volunteers from Sufi Dar, located in Mylapore, arrive at the Big Mosque carrying food for those observing the Ramadan fast. Respectfully wearing traditional Muslim caps, they assist the fasting devotees by distributing dates and water bottles to break their long fasts, which can last 13 to 14 hours in this part of the world.

Carrying colorful buckets filled with fresh fruits, milk, cooked rice, sweets, watermelon, dates, and packaged water, the Sufi Dar volunteers ensure that no one breaks their fast alone. “Each day we change the menu,” says Harish Makkar, one of the sevadars (volunteers). “We offer dishes like vegetable biryani, channa rice, pulao, cauliflower rice, and more.”

Every evening, around 1,000 to 1,200 people gather at the mosque for Iftar. Volunteers from Sufi Dar have been serving them with dedication for nearly four decades. “Our Muslim brothers appreciate this gesture,” Harish adds. “We do this as a humble service, believing that compassion has no religion.”

What’s more, any leftover food is not wasted. “We distribute it among the Hindu destitute who gather outside the mosque every evening,” Harish explains. “This way, the circle of giving continues.”

Step inside Sufi Dar, and the spirit of inclusivity is unmistakable. The walls are adorned with images of revered spiritual figures from multiple faiths—Muslim Sufi saints, Hindu sages, Jesus Christ and Mother Mary, Guru Nanak and other Sikh Gurus, as well as leaders from the Radhasoami and Chidakashi traditions, alongside Sai Baba.

Marble idols of deities such as Lord Ganesh, Lakshmi Narayan, Shiva-Parvati, Radha-Krishna, Lord Ram with Sita, Lakshman, Hanuman, Durga Mata, and Jhulelal are thoughtfully placed around the space. Every visitor, regardless of faith, finds a welcoming symbol of their own spiritual path here.

This remarkable tradition was started by Dada Ratanchand, a Hindu refugee from Sindh who made Chennai his home after the Partition of India.

The Big Mosque itself, where these Iftar meals are shared, was built by Nawab Mohammad Ali Wallajah, an ancestor of the current Prince of Arcot, Nawab Mohammad Abdul Ali.

At a time when the world often seems divided, Sufi Dar stands as a beacon of unity—reminding us that love, kindness, and shared humanity can bring people together.

---

Syed Ali Mujtaba is a journalist based in Chennai

Comments

Advocacy group decries 'hyper-centralization' as States’ share of health funds plummets

By A Representative In a major pre-budget mobilization, the Jan Swasthya Abhiyan (JSA), India’s leading public health advocacy network, has issued a sharp critique of the Union government’s health spending and demanded a doubling of the health budget for the upcoming 2026-27 fiscal year.

Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar’s views on religion as Tagore’s saw them

By Harasankar Adhikari Religion has become a visible subject in India’s public discourse, particularly where it intersects with political debate. Recent events, including a mass Gita chanting programme in Kolkata and other incidents involving public expressions of faith, have drawn attention to how religion features in everyday life. These developments have raised questions about the relationship between modern technological progress and traditional religious practice.

Stands 'exposed': Cavalier attitude towards rushed construction of Char Dham project

By Bharat Dogra* The nation heaved a big sigh of relief when the 41 workers trapped in the under-construction Silkyara-Barkot tunnel (Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand) were finally rescued on November 28 after a 17-day rescue effort. All those involved in the rescue effort deserve a big thanks of the entire country. The government deserves appreciation for providing all-round support.

Delhi Jal Board under fire as CAG finds 55% groundwater unfit for consumption

By A Representative A Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India audit report tabled in the Delhi Legislative Assembly on 7 January 2026 has revealed alarming lapses in the quality and safety of drinking water supplied by the Delhi Jal Board (DJB), raising serious public health concerns for residents of the capital.

Election bells ringing in Nepal: Can ousted premier Oli return to power?

By Nava Thakuria* Nepal is preparing for a national election necessitated by the collapse of KP Sharma Oli’s government at the height of a Gen Z rebellion (youth uprising) in September 2025. The polls are scheduled for 5 March. The Himalayan nation last conducted a general election in 2022, with the next polls originally due in 2027. However, following the dissolution of Nepal’s lower house of Parliament last year by President Ram Chandra Poudel, the electoral process began under the patronage of an interim government installed on 12 September under the leadership of retired Supreme Court judge Sushila Karki. The Hindu-majority nation of over 29 million people will witness more than 3,400 electoral candidates, including 390 women, representing 68 political parties as well as independents, vying for 165 seats in the 275-member House of Representatives.

Pairing not with law but with perpetrators: Pavlovian response to lynchings in India

By Vikash Narain Rai* Lynch-law owes its name to James Lynch, the legendary Warden of Galway, Ireland, who tried, condemned and executed his own son in 1493 for defrauding and killing strangers. But, today, what kind of a person will justify the lynching for any reason whatsoever? Will perhaps resemble the proverbial ‘wrong man to meet at wrong road at night!’

Zhou Enlai: The enigmatic premier who stabilized chaos—at what cost?

By Harsh Thakor* Zhou Enlai (1898–1976) served as the first Premier of the People's Republic of China (PRC) from 1949 until his death and as Foreign Minister from 1949 to 1958. He played a central role in the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) for over five decades, contributing to its organization, military efforts, diplomacy, and governance. His tenure spanned key events including the Long March, World War II alliances, the founding of the PRC, the Korean War, and the Cultural Revolution.

Jayanthi Natarajan "never stood by tribals' rights" in MNC Vedanta's move to mine Niyamigiri Hills in Odisha

By A Representative The Odisha Chapter of the Campaign for Survival and Dignity (CSD), which played a vital role in the struggle for the enactment of historic Forest Rights Act, 2006 has blamed former Union environment minister Jaynaynthi Natarjan for failing to play any vital role to defend the tribals' rights in the forest areas during her tenure under the former UPA government. Countering her recent statement that she rejected environmental clearance to Vendanta, the top UK-based NMC, despite tremendous pressure from her colleagues in Cabinet and huge criticism from industry, and the claim that her decision was “upheld by the Supreme Court”, the CSD said this is simply not true, and actually she "disrespected" FRA.

Uttarakhand tunnel disaster: 'Question mark' on rescue plan, appraisal, construction

By Bhim Singh Rawat* As many as 40 workers were trapped inside Barkot-Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi after a portion of the 4.5 km long, supposedly completed portion of the tunnel, collapsed early morning on Sunday, Nov 12, 2023. The incident has once again raised several questions over negligence in planning, appraisal and construction, absence of emergency rescue plan, violations of labour laws and environmental norms resulting in this avoidable accident.

Search This Blog