PICTORIAL: Journalists hosted to Iftar dinner

In an unusual occurrence, it was not about cameras, pens , microphones , notebooks and asking tough questions to speakers but rather being treated to a sumptuous meal.

This was during an Iftar dinner organized for journalists by  Abubaker Lubowa , a photo journalist from Daily Monitor and Mubiru Ali, a presenter and reporter at Pearl FM.

The dinner at the premises of Pearl FM in Old Kampala saw over 100 journalists come together in a rare occasion as they dinned together at the fourth media Iftar dinner.

“We thought about an idea that would bring together journalists not necessarily for work but to enjoy a meal together. So many people and organisations always invite journalists to cover their events as they break the fast and in essence fail to get time to enjoy the functions. We organized this to see journalist break their fast,”Lubowa said.

He explained that apart from breaking the fast, the dinner is meant to bring together journalists from all parts of the country and have a chat about the profession but in a relaxed environment.

“This is not for only Muslim journalists but all journalists. We are here to interact and reminisce about those stories and memories from the field not to write or report about them but enjoy them. This is our family meeting and reunion.”

“By eating together as journalists, we further cement our relationship as brother and sisters in the same profession.”

Explaining the rationale behind helping others break their fast, Lubowa  said it has several rewards from Allah that every person must work to attain.

“Even if you help someone break their fast with a mere bottle of water, it is enough to earn you rewards from Allah. We are glad that colleagues always come in good numbers. At this dinner we also pray together.  We organize it on a Thursday because the teachings tell us that the angels that take our good and bad deeds descend to heaven on this day to update our files.”

Lubowa urged journalists on the need to unite, provide for those in need but above all, believing in the Almighty.

Helping others break fast

The Quran says that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever gives iftaar to one who is fasting will have a reward like his, without that detracting from the reward of the fasting person in the slightest.”