JEDDAH, 2 November 2005 — Eid Al-Fitr is the celebration at the end of Ramadan. Muslims, along with their families, share the good times, wear new clothes and receive Eid gifts known as “eidiyya.”
Not all Muslims, however, enjoy the three days of the Eid. Many unfortunates can do little more than watch others enjoy the holiday while they themselves are too poor to do so. In order to help as many people as possible, charities begin to collect donations in both cash and kind long before Eid.
“We receive clothes to distribute to the poor before Eid,” said Dr. Saud Al-Fulait, executive manager of Charity Warehouse.
The Charity Warehouse receives Zakat Al-Fitr — special alms given out by every individual who can afford to pay after his own Eid expenses — until the first day of Eid day.
“We buy rice for the poor with the money we receive,” Al-Fulait added.
A representative from Al-Birr Society explained, “We have vehicles especially for delivering and distributing Zakat Al-Fitr and Eid clothing which come to us as donations.”
Some people prefer to donate to charities, feeling that is the best way to give Zakat Al-Fitr.
Muna explained, “I like my Zakat to go to people who are really in need. Since I do not know who these people are, I give to charitable societies who pass what is given on to people who really need them.”
The charities also arrange special activities for orphans and poor children.
“We will arrange a festival in Atallah Entertainment Park and invite people to come and enjoy the Eid celebrations,” said one spokeswoman for a local charity.
