Palestinian father feeds 300 workers in memory of son

Abu Dhabi - His son died more than 20 years ago

A Palestinian father is feeding hundreds of workers in the Capital during Ramadan in memory of his son who died more than 20 years ago. Hajj Nazmi Mohammed said he has been providing Iftar meals to people for the past 15 years. Hyssam Nazmin, his son, died in 1996 in a road accident in Umm Al Quwain on his way to Abu Dhabi when he was just 18.
The father says his son's memory is still afresh and he can never forget him. "He was such a caring and loving son," said Mohammed, a former employee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
"He's gone for many years now. All I can do is feed the poor during the holy month so that Almighty Allah will reward both me and my late son."
Men, especially workers, gather along the Hamdan Street, above the underground parking behind Liwa Centre every day to break their fast with meals provided by Mohammed. The 69-year-old man said he opted to provide Iftar because there is nothing more rewarding than feeding people who fast for the sake of Allah.
"Ramadan is a month of giving and helping the needy. I feel very happy whenever I provide Iftar for people," said Mohammed, who has been in the UAE for the last 35 years. Mohammed said he spends Dh2,000 daily on buying the food items.
He, along with his four sons and one daughter, started the programme of providing free Iftar for workers in 2001. He started feeding about 100 people but the number has now increased to about 300 people. "I thank Allah who has enabled me to carry out this work of feeding people for all these years. It's really a blessing and I pray that Allah accepts our deeds."
The Iftar meal includes biryani rice, chicken, mutton, dates, water, juice and laban. "I prepare the Iftar meals with the help of a few other men."
Ibrahim Moolakkadath, one of the men who has been helping Mohammed in arranging Iftar meals for more than 10 years, said he was proud to serve the people. "I feel happy serving people to break their fast. I feel proud about it and I come here every Ramadan to help Mohammed."
Mohammed Nadeer, a Bangladeshi working as an office boy for a company on Hamdan Street, said he has been ending his fast with Mohammed for the past four years.
"I stay in a neighbouring building and I am assured of a good Iftar meal here every day," he said. "Hajj is such a kind man. He always ensures that everyone
ismail@khaleejtimes.com