Jama Masjid within reach, Shias, Sunnis hold joint iftar

Safvi said the iftar was also unique because men and women prayed together. “We should all be united at times like these, irrespective of our sects and faiths. It’s also important to understand what a fatwa means — it’s always in response to somebody’s query or question and is not applicable on everyone,” she said. The joint iftar was held despite the time difference in breaking of the fast. At 7.18 pm, the Sunnis broke their roza with bananas, dates and sherbet. Eight minutes later, the Shias too broke their fast. A joint namaz was then led by Asghar who said that “while the Muslim community is realising that unity is essential in these times, there are attempts by some to break it”.