Qatar Foundation's (QF) Minaretein Centre has been serving over 2,000 Iftar meals daily without any food waste throughout the month of Ramadan highlighting its commitment to sustainability and community engagement. The Minaretein Centre’s ‘Zero Waste Iftar’ initiative challenges food waste by designing an Iftar that minimises excess and redirects food waste into productive use, noted Abdulkarim Kuchukov, master’s student at College of Islamic Studies, Hamad Bin Khalifa University in an article. “The inspiration behind this initiative comes from Qatar Foundation’s strategic focus on sustainability and volunteerism,” says Wasif Ali Khan, business transformation project manager at Minaretein Centre. “By integrating these themes into a Ramadan Iftar, which is deeply connected to the culture and heritage of Qatar, we aim to create an event that not only fosters community spirit but also promotes environmental responsibility.” Achieving a zero-waste Iftar requires precise planning. The process begins with efficient meal preparation, ensuring appropriate portion sizes to prevent leftovers. Compostable materials replace single-use plastics, and waste stations guide guests in sorting organic and recyclable waste. Volunteers play a central role in meal distribution, crowd management, and waste supervision. “Each year, we have optimised the programme to enhance its impact,” Khan noted. “We have focused on maximising the amount of compost generated, minimising waste, and improving awareness initiatives by offering educational programmes in multiple languages. Additionally, we have expanded our tent to accommodate more attendees, growing the capacity to support up to 2,500 community members per day.” The project is closely tied to QF’s broader commitment to sustainability. Through structured waste collection, all food scraps are transported to QF’s composting facilities, contributing to agricultural initiatives across the institution. Mohamed Shahran, one of the volunteer leaders at last year’s Iftar tent, explains how the team was brought together and sustained their enthusiasm. “Volunteers and contributors came from all walks of life to be part of a rewarding activity during Ramadan, seeking the pleasure of the Almighty,” he said. Farah Sadek, one of last year’s female volunteer leaders, shares what motivated her to take part in the initiative. “When I learned about the Iftar tent, I saw it as a wonderful opportunity to contribute towards and be part of the growth of our community at Minaretein,” she said. “The experiential learning opportunity that volunteering at the Iftar tent offers is a powerful way to instill Iman in the hearts of our youth,” she explains. “Children don’t just listen to what you say—they watch what you do. These are the kinds of opportunities where we apply the teachings of our Deen in a way that is real and meaningful.” One of the most valuable aspects of volunteering is the personal growth it fosters. Volunteers take on leadership roles, learn to manage high-pressure situations, and develop teamwork skills. Many volunteers assume responsibilities that challenge them to coordinate teams and manage large-scale operations. The Minaretein Centre’s Zero-Waste Iftar demonstrates how traditional Ramadan gatherings can embrace sustainability without compromising on hospitality. Through efficient waste management, community engagement, and strong volunteer participation, this initiative exemplifies responsible stewardship of resources. As it continues to grow, it stands as a model for integrating sustainability into cultural and religious traditions locally and even worldwide.