The month of joyous celebration and goodness has arrived. Whilst we rejoice at its advent, let us stop for a moment and try to imagine what Ramadhaan is like for the less fortunate Muslims throughout the world. Do they relish happiness and bliss in the company of their relatives and beloved ones like we do? Or do they suffer from the painful silence and neglect of their nation?
All over the world; Palestine, Syria, Somalia, Malawi, Sudan, Yemen, Burma, Bosnia, Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon, the heart of the Ummah bleeds anew every day.
Rasulullah Sallallāhu Alayhi Wasallam has said that the believers are like one body, and that if one limb is in pain, then the whole body becomes restless.
The following is addressed to the Muslimah who is alive, who hurts when another believer hurts and who is aware of the presence and mercy of Allah Azza Wajal. The hearts of the believers are softened during the month of Ramadhaan as they strive to become closer to Allah.
Rasulullah Sallallāhu Alayhi Wasallam said “Whoever relieves a believer of distress in this world, Allah will relieve him of some of the distress of the Day of Resurrection. Whoever makes things easy for those who are in difficulty, Allah will make things easy for him in this world and in the next. Whoever conceals (the faults of) a Muslim in this world, Allah will conceal him (his faults) in this world and in the Hereafter. Allah will help the slave so long as the slave helps his brother.” [Mishkaat al-Masaabeeh, 1/71, hadith no. 204.]
Here are some practical tips on how to assist our brothers and sisters this Ramadhaan, and possibly even all year round, InshaAllah.
1. DUA! DUA! DUA! Dua’s can be sent from anywhere in the world, and the Most Merciful will still hear it. When we make Dua, it is only natural that we ask Allah Azza Wajal for the best that we can think of. Let us extend this to the entire Ummah. Rasulullah Sallallāhu Alayhi Wasallam has said: “The Dua of a Muslim for his brother (in Islam) in his absence is readily accepted. An angel is appointed to his side. Whenever he makes a Dua for his brother the appointed angel says, ‘Aameen. And may you also be blessed with the same.’ [Sahih Muslim].
2. Locally we can sponsor an Iftaar or Suhoor for a needy family. Support local services when sponsoring weekly groceries for these community members. If finances are a concern, then perhaps join with other families in the drive to assist the underprivileged.
3. We need to declutter our homes and our lives. Honestly though, just how many pairs of gloves, scarves, jerseys and linen do we need? If we aren’t using certain items, then share them with those who may need it more than you. Encourage the little ones at home to also give in charity.
4. Pay your Zakaah and Sadaqah with a happy heart and always make Shukr for what you have. Never make the recipients of Sadaqah or Zakaah feel inferior because you are sharing with them. Do not be haughty or pitiful toward them. Be kind and merciful, and Allah will be merciful unto us.
5. Allocate an allowance to be given to a needy cause, eg: feeding scheme, medical supplies, groceries, utilities, school fees etc. This can also be done on an international scale through Muslim Humanitarian Organisations. Some Organisations offer the service of monthly debit orders or cash deposits. A R50 or $5 may not seem like much to us who live lavish lifestyles, but believe me it may make a HUGE difference to somebody out there.
6. Support our brothers and sisters emotionally. We can write literature or talk to people to create awareness and promote the cause of those that are supporting the Deen. “And remind, for indeed the reminder benefits the Believers.” [Quran 51:55].
The Muslims are ONE Ummah.We should assist our fellow Muslims in their time of need with whatever we can. Its time we wake up and take heed to the plight of our Ummah. If we fail to support our fellow Muslims in their time of need, then we are sinful of being neglectful of our duty to the Ummah.
So Dear sister………….What’s your plan?
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