How charity can make Ramadan more rewarding

We are a few days into Ramadan. This month offers an opportunity to share with others what Islam is all about, its values of spirituality, generosity and kindness. It is a profoundly powerful demonstration, not merely of the brotherhood of Islam, but of what connects all of us as people, whether Muslims or not: Peace!

Beside the compulsory act of Zakah (charity) as an act of generosity, there are other good deeds which a fasting Muslim can embark upon, which when undertaken in the month of Ramadan, can have multiple rewards. The month is a time to reflect, share and make peace. One of the main messages of Ramadan is compassion and understanding for the less-fortunate. And here, there will be a few tips on how to put smiles on the faces of many. No, we aren’t talking about dishing out money, but simple deeds that will go a long way for those whose hearts you will touch.

We all know that the highest point for the Ramadan days is Iftar (breaking of the fast). It doesn’t have to be the regular routine of breaking fast at home with your family always. The whole essence of sharing during the month of Ramadan will be defeated. Many individuals and families are struggling and feel dejected, and this month is the perfect time to offer kindness. Here are some ways:

1. Neighbourhood feast

Taking our neighbours into consideration, organizing a neighborhood Iftar and inviting them can be fun, and full of blessings too. You will do well to invite everyone irrespective of their faiths to sit out on a cool evening and talk about why we need peace in our society and how we are all one despite our different faiths. It will also be an avenue for many to get clearer understanding of what various religions entail. Trust me, many will go home with a different perspective of Islam and humanity in general. If you can also get people to bring different dishes of drinks for the feast, splendid!

2. Celebrate with the sick

Those in the hospital often have a lot going on in their thoughts. To put a smile on their faces and make them feel loved and cared for, we can take time out to break our fast with them. Again, irrespective of whatever faith they belong to they will be sure glad you did take time out to share one of the highlights of the Ramadan fast with them. Feeding the sick with your hands is charity enough for this month. A few minutes with them will go a long way in helping them recover.

3. A sit out with IDPs

The common thing is for people to share food for IDPs, and leave. We forget that what they actually need is love and care. It will do us no harm is we take time out to sit with them and break our fast. Listening to them tell their stories can give us the reflection we need in this month. Sometimes we need to imagine ourselves in people’s situation to be able to give glory to God for the life he has given us.

4. Visits to orphanages

Visiting orphans, and breaking our fast goes a long way in cheering up children who feel left out and abandoned. While many orphanages are cheerful places due to efforts by management and charities, visiting them and breaking the fast will certainly give them hope. You can make it more fun for them if you get your children, children of friends, colleagues or neighbours to package gifts (clothes, shoes, books, toys etc.) for them.

5. Mosques

This venue is always to go-to place for most people who want to break their fast. Interestingly, it’s taking a new dimension in recent years as not just Muslims but also Christians visit the mosque during the Ramadan to break the fast with their Muslim brothers and sisters. Well, you can make it more interesting by inviting your Christian friends to join you in the mosque to break the fast.

6. Fun evenings with colleagues

We interact with colleagues for more than half of day for at least five days a week: what better way to ease stress and have an evening full of fun and laughter than a feast with them? You can pick a day during this month to host your colleagues at your home, not forgetting your supervisors or bosses. Yes, your bosses. You will be surprised they might just show up, have fun, and improve professional synergy.

Whichever of these tips you try this month, be assured that it will result in a more fun, exciting - and rewarding Ramadan.

One of the main messages of Ramadan is compassion and understanding for the lessfortunate