Ramadan is a time of spiritual renewal, but also and perhaps more importantly, a time to remember the less fortunate and to help them. I was, therefore, very happy to read about the ongoing program in Jeddah to help feed the poor during this holy month.
Started in 2010 and called “Iftar Sayem,” the program hands out around 725 iftar meals to adults and children in Karantina on a daily basis. Saudi volunteers, both male and female, go to the neighborhood and hand out these meals, and very importantly they interact with the community.
This has strengthened the relationship between the volunteers and the community, which is crucial to producing an inclusive and positive atmosphere. After all, charity in Islam is not only helping the needy, but is also connecting with them too as human beings.
I hope that there are other charity programs such as this one in other parts of the Kingdom. I know that volunteers across the country hand out boxes of dates and water to motorists stopped at traffic lights near Iftar time. That is a great initiative. Many mosques also often host public iftars and suhoors for those less fortunate with food provided by wealthy businessmen. These are essential acts of charity and goodwill, and should be copied by all.
But we must be careful to not humiliate the poor people we help, or make them feel ashamed of their poverty. And we must not give to the poor in order to gain fame or receive praise from the public for our actions. If we do so, Allah will not accept our acts of charity. That is why so many generous donors of money and material goods usually ask to remain anonymous. That does not mean all charity has to be given in anonymity. If giving publicly will help encourage others to do the same, then it is permitted. We must remember that charity should not be limited to just Ramadan, or the 2.5 percent of our annual income that we pay in Zakat. After all, the poor and needy are in need of our help the whole year long, and not just during Ramadan and the two Eids.
Additionally, we must also be compassionate to all living beings, including animals abandoned on our streets. Recently I noticed that hungry street cats were ripping up the garbage bags of our neighbors while looking for food. Instead of calling animal control to have them taken away and “put to sleep,” our neighbors put out plastic containers of dry cat food and clean water, which they regularly refill. The cats are now satisfied, being well-fed and watered, and no longer rip open the garbage bags.
I recently befriended a woman that watches cars in the parking lot of a shopping center that I often go to. I asked her about her life and found out that she was homeless and lived on the streets. I give her a little money whenever I can. The last time I saw her she asked me for flip-flops. So I bought her a new pair and had them gift-wrapped. She was so happy to receive them that I too felt happy. That is the benefit of giving with your heart. It will make you happy and bring you blessings. Never give help to the needy begrudgingly. Allah will know that you were insincere and you certainly won’t get any blessings from doing so.
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The writer is a Saudi journalist based in Brazil.
Started in 2010 and called “Iftar Sayem,” the program hands out around 725 iftar meals to adults and children in Karantina on a daily basis. Saudi volunteers, both male and female, go to the neighborhood and hand out these meals, and very importantly they interact with the community.
This has strengthened the relationship between the volunteers and the community, which is crucial to producing an inclusive and positive atmosphere. After all, charity in Islam is not only helping the needy, but is also connecting with them too as human beings.
I hope that there are other charity programs such as this one in other parts of the Kingdom. I know that volunteers across the country hand out boxes of dates and water to motorists stopped at traffic lights near Iftar time. That is a great initiative. Many mosques also often host public iftars and suhoors for those less fortunate with food provided by wealthy businessmen. These are essential acts of charity and goodwill, and should be copied by all.
But we must be careful to not humiliate the poor people we help, or make them feel ashamed of their poverty. And we must not give to the poor in order to gain fame or receive praise from the public for our actions. If we do so, Allah will not accept our acts of charity. That is why so many generous donors of money and material goods usually ask to remain anonymous. That does not mean all charity has to be given in anonymity. If giving publicly will help encourage others to do the same, then it is permitted. We must remember that charity should not be limited to just Ramadan, or the 2.5 percent of our annual income that we pay in Zakat. After all, the poor and needy are in need of our help the whole year long, and not just during Ramadan and the two Eids.
Additionally, we must also be compassionate to all living beings, including animals abandoned on our streets. Recently I noticed that hungry street cats were ripping up the garbage bags of our neighbors while looking for food. Instead of calling animal control to have them taken away and “put to sleep,” our neighbors put out plastic containers of dry cat food and clean water, which they regularly refill. The cats are now satisfied, being well-fed and watered, and no longer rip open the garbage bags.
I recently befriended a woman that watches cars in the parking lot of a shopping center that I often go to. I asked her about her life and found out that she was homeless and lived on the streets. I give her a little money whenever I can. The last time I saw her she asked me for flip-flops. So I bought her a new pair and had them gift-wrapped. She was so happy to receive them that I too felt happy. That is the benefit of giving with your heart. It will make you happy and bring you blessings. Never give help to the needy begrudgingly. Allah will know that you were insincere and you certainly won’t get any blessings from doing so.
—
The writer is a Saudi journalist based in Brazil.
