Iftar tribe’s fighting Ramadaan loneliness

As millions of Muslims across the world begin fasting for Ramadaan, the loneliness epidemic quietly creeps in for some. For them, the day ends with an empty table and a fast broken in silence. It is a reality that does not make the headlines, but it is real.

Aisha Paklele knows this experience well. When she became Muslim, she says, she never felt alone during Ramadaan.

“When I became a Muslim, I had a lot of Muslim friends. Everyone was inviting me for Iftar. Everyone was fighting for me. So I have never had a thing of feeling lonely during Ramadan,” she explains.

Her friend’s experience was very different. When her friend became Muslim, she had no one nearby. She spent her evenings alone while everyone else shared meals with family and friends. Watching this, Aisha decided she could not let anyone feel that kind of loneliness during Ramadaan.

“So I started this Iftar Tribe because my friend was lonely,” Aisha says. “I was far from her and I said to myself, I don’t want anyone feeling alone in Ramadan. Especially reverts.”

Iftar Tribe is more than just a meal. It is a space for connection, for laughter, for conversation, and for community. Aisha describes it simply:

“Iftar Tribe is for everyone. Old, young, Magogo, Muslim, non-Muslims. You don’t need a membership. You come as you are. Join our group chat. Follow us on TikTok. Let’s break our fast together. Bring a friend. Dates and water will be provided. Come with a platter. Bring your own prayer mat and join us for Iftar. You are going to laugh. You are going to smile. And you are going to enjoy your day.”

The initiative is one of many that are hoping to make Ramadaan less lonely for those who might otherwise spend it in silence. By creating spaces for shared meals and conversation, initiatives like Iftar Tribe are reminding us that community can be built, one sunset at a time.

“Ramadan Mubarak to you and your family,” Aisha says. “May Allah accept our duas, prayers, fasts and ibadah. May this month bring us closer to Allah and closer to each other. Peace be upon you.”