The holy month of Ramadan is considered the perfect time to participate in charities and with this view a number of community members around the Kingdom are increasing their charitable efforts to help the poor and the needy of society.

Sohail Rahman, a Jeddah resident, has prepared food packages containing rice, oil and sugar for families who may not be able to afford meals. “Ramadan is a special month which reminds us of those who are less fortunate than us. I try to reach 2-3 families each day and feel very peaceful when trying to help others and make their Ramadan experience more comfortable and memorable,” he said.

Another resident of Jeddah, Mohammed Dahab, holds weekly iftar events for orphans and the elderly with the help of the ladies in his house. He said: “I have been following in the steps of my forefathers to feed the poor during the holy month of Ramadan. This iftar banquet enables around 25-30 people to break their fast. It’s a pleasure to share our food with them as providing Iftar to a fasting man is an act of great merit and also keeps the spirit of Ramadan alive.”

Mohammed Dahab’s charity banquet includes rice, cooked vegetables, salad, pieces of chicken and meat along with the iftar snacks like sambusa, bread and yoghurt, dates, juice and water.

Likewise a resident of Riyadh, Mohammed Al-Wafei distributes iftar meals containing croissants, biscuits, dates, juice, zam zam water and fruits to street children and in destitute areas. “I set a budget of SR6,000 every Ramadan to buy the food items and distribute them to people in need as Ramadan is a month of charity and generosity. I ensure that the less fortunate can still experience the familial and the community spirit of Ramadan with this meal.”

He added that this act of giving helps to spread awareness among the youngsters about humanitarian initiatives during Ramadan.

Several residents also send iftar meals to the mosques on a daily basis. Saher Al-Gharni and her family members distribute iftar meals to the mosques in their area everyday.

With all nationalities coming together to support the poor and less fortunate, there has been a significant increase in public participation in social work across the Kingdom.