Muslim volunteers striving to help vulnerable while fasting

Kind-hearted people are cooking for the homeless despite not eating for up to 20 hours a day

Muslim charity workers across Dundee are still striving to help out the city’s most vulnerable, despite fasting for up to 20 hours a day during Ramadan.

The fast, which lasts from May 17 to June 16, sees Muslims abstaining from food and drink — including water — from sunrise to sunset.

It also requires participants to refrain from any and all sinful deeds. Muslims believe the ritual brings greater understanding of the suffering of others as well as increasing closeness to God.

Despite the challenge, Muslims actually try to increase the amount of charitable work in their communities during the month-long period.

Those at community outreach programme Taught by Muhammad (TBM) have even been cooking meals for hundreds in need, while refraining from eating or drinking themselves.

In one day alone last week, the group cooked 60 meals and distributed them to three homeless shelters in the city.

Rizwan Rafiq, of TBM, said although it was a “very hard” task, nothing would stop the charity’s army of volunteers.

He said: “Your belly might be rumbling but the amazing thing is the desire to help others.

“There were around a dozen young guys who came in last week to help out at our curry kitchens.

“I have to take my hat off to every single one of them. They were brilliant.

“You’re having to chop, prepare, and cook everything just as quickly as normal. It’s really fast-paced and all the while they are fasting.

“It’s important to also note that the vast majority of people who help out are non-Muslim, and we appreciate everything our volunteers do.”

Shoaib Khan, president of the city’s Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, added that Ramadan only strengthens the desire to help others.

He said: “The main thing is try to understand what it is like for those who cannot eat, sometimes for weeks.

“We try to do more charity work during Ramadan because you get more reward from it during this month.”

Meanwhile, the Chicken Club on Lochee High Street is set to give away free food after sunset in the last week of Ramadan.

The takeaway will give out free meals to the first 25 customers to come in between 10pm and 10.30pm from Monday to Thursday.

Picture: Associated Press. Indian Muslims offer Friday prayers during the holy Islamic month of Ramadan at a mosque in Allahabad, India.