With over 10 days left for Ramazan to end, there is still enough time for us to make generous contributions. And no, we are not talking about putting in some extra samosas in the iftar trays we send our neighbors but doing more than that.
This doesn’t mean you should stop sending the traditional iftar trays, because, we have to admit, nothing makes us happy than free food made in hot oil and spices.
But if you are someone who is looking to break from that trend and do something different, here are five ways you can be generous this Ramazan. After all, the month is all about generosity.
Take part in city wide iftar drives
It is amazing to see almost every street in our cities in Pakistan giving out iftar boxes to people. So many people are fed on a single day. And while one might think they need a lot of money to be able to do that, this isn’t necessarily true.
Of course, if you are looking to feed a significant number of people then you will need a huge amount. However, if you are someone who doesn’t have the financial means then you can just volunteer to distribute the boxes or aid in any other way possible.
For instance, if you drive and have a car, then drive the food to the place it is being distributed at. Or some iftar drives require manpower to pack boxes, perhaps help with that.
There are so many ways you can make yourself useful in these drives. Let’s not just spend our days going out for iftar dawats or playing street cricket.
Impart knowledge and skills
Most charities world over are focused on monetary donations and this may make some of us that lack financial means think that we can’t contribute to the causes we believe in.
But that’s not true.
There are a few charities, such as, The Citizen’s Foundation that also focus on volunteer work. So, you can volunteer to teach at such NGOs or take part in other forms of community service this year.
Instead of giving money, use your skill set and knowledge to educate others. And your generosity of teaching even one person a skill will have a domino effect. As that person can educate others or use it in ways to give back to the community.
Fulfill someone else’s need
While we should take time out and fulfill our needs and desires because we should be our own priority, during Ramazan, for just a month, we can work towards fulfilling someone else’s need or desire.
Every human being has needs and desires but only the privileged few get the opportunity to fulfill them. And we definitely fall in that spectrum.
The fact that you are here, have the time to read this on your phone or lap top, perhaps in a comfortable environment makes you privileged. And that’s OK. But use this privilege to help fulfill someone else’s desire. It could be as small as playing street cricket with your house help this Ramazan.
Set up water coolers
Over the past few years, Ramazan is being observed in the hottest months of the year. Considering that this year is no different, chances of people suffering a heatstroke increases manifold.
So, one of the things you can do is set up water coolers outside your house. And no, this won’t make you violate the essence of fasting.
While the month does expect all Muslims to fast, some, especially the working class are not in a position to fast as they work under the sun and need to consume food or water to stay hydrated lest they lose their lives.
On the other hand, there are also a significant number of non-Muslims who work or live in our vicinity. Installing water coolers can help not only those who can’t fast but those who are not part of our community. This will in return make them feel a part of our society and country.
Moreover, water pots can also be set up for stray animals.
Host an open house
We desis love hosting people and feeding them. Hence, we invite our relatives for iftar every year, making it almost a tradition no matter how hot it is or how busy you may be.
But how about this year, you host an open house for friends and neighbors, even the ones who belong to different communities or countries. This would be a great way to make everyone feel part of the country and would go a long way in bridging the gap among us.
Let us know if there are other ways you spread generosity in Ramazan.