UAE Continues to Implement Iftar Project in Sao Paulo, Brazil

Sao Paulo, 13 Ramadan 1437/19 June (MINA) – The UAE Consulate-General in Sao Paulo continues to oversee the implementation of the Iftar project in the second week of the holy month of Ramadan at mosques in the Brazilian city of Sao Paulo, home to the largest Muslim community in Latin America.

The project, which is sponsored by the Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, saw the distribution of iftar meals to mosques in Sao Paulo, as well as local mosques in the areas of Guarulhos, and Santos, Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) rported, quoting WAM.

The Khalifa Foundation is expected to distribute more than 7,000 iftar meals throughout the month of Ramadan in the city.

Sao Paulo state is a home for over 800, 000 Muslims, of whom majority reside in Sao Paulo city, while others live in suburbs and other Brazilian cities.

According to the Brazilian Islamic Federation, there are about 1.5 million Muslims living in Brazil. The greatest part of them are Lebanese, Syrian, Egyptian and Palestinian descendents, but there are still other nationalities involved.

Throughout the country, there are more than a hundred mosques and praying Islamic rooms. There is also a rising number of people converting to Islamism in Brazil. Some Islamic religion centers were even founded by Brazilians.

The greatest part of the Muslims in Brazil live from sales businesses. The great commercial street 25 de março, located in São Paulo city, was founded by arabic immigrants.

Most of the stores are quite ancient, as they were inherited by the families’ owners, passing from generation to generation. The same happens to Arabic food restaurants and groceries selling typical Arabic ingredients, which are very well received by the Brazilian people.  (T/R07/R01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)