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

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