AS Ramadan is the month in which the Holy Qur’an was revealed, the month during which the first Muslim victory was won and is also a month of fasting for Muslims, it is an especially spiritual month. There is a call to all Muslims to increase their acts of charity and the number of good deeds which are both very acceptable to Allah. These things, however, should not only be considered and concentrated upon in Ramadan; they are important throughout the year and by doing them, we increase our faith as well as our own success and prosperity. Despite all the negative issues that engulf the Islamic world and despite many shortcomings and defeats, we should seek the blessings of Allah through hard work, sincerity, dedication and discipline. These are general comments with wide-ranging applications to all Muslims — but they are points which we all need to be reminded of in Ramadan.
My article is in fact concerned with charity, with philanthropists and those wealthy individuals who can bring smiles to the faces of orphans, the poor and the needy. An example of what I am talking about and something of which we can be proud is Dar Al-Madinah for Orphans and Children. Providing care for just over 100 children, the institution boasts its own staff of qualified administrators, nurses, social workers and physicians. In addition, the government provides a monthly allowance of SR1,000 for each child even if he or she leaves the home and goes to live with a family. School age girls receive an extra SR100 a month; boys older than six leave the home and go to special boys’ institutions. A generous woman has provided not only the center but has also guaranteed the availability of all facilities, including dormitories, a mosque, dining hall, recreational lounge and classrooms.
I was fortunate to be able to visit this outstanding institution last month. I observed that operations were smooth, the premises were clean, with both children and staff disciplined and purposeful. Sadly, I saw a small girl about one month old and learned that she was the product of an illicit affair. I was told that many of the infants in the home are also the products of illicit affairs. I wondered why the children are not allowed to stay with their mothers for at least the first year. Or if the father admits his responsibility, why not allow the couple to marry? These are my own questions and I readily admit that I am not in a position to reach conclusions; these are matters for religious scholars and courts.
While it is true that such institutions provide vital and necessary services, the Ministry of Social Affairs also exerts its efforts to assist these homes and to find families that are willing to take a child. There still remain, however, many important things to be done. I have mentioned the possible marriage of parents. Visits from relatives or friends might also be arranged for the children as well as outings for them with caring individuals and families. I would suggest the following:
— An annual allowance for each child of SR2,400 paid at the rate of SR200 per month.
— Alms and charity.
— Annual clothing allowance of SR1,000 for each child.
— Gifts on religious occasions.
— Donations in cash or in kind.
— An annual subscription of SR1,000 in the charities.
I am thankful to note that the government has donated a 30,000 square meter piece of land for a children’s home in the King Fahd district of Madinah and initial planning is under way. The new home will be financed by a number of philanthropists and the facility will consist of all necessary structures and ancillary buildings. I trust the children’s home will soon be a reality and I thank those philanthropists and others who support similar charities all over the Kingdom.
