Every year the month of Ramadan reminds us of the importance of giving back. There are many grand ways to help those in need, but truth be told, even the simplest acts of service and kindness that are often overlooked can be just as beneficial. Doing this will not only partake in charitable giving but will also develop a closer community.
Here are some things you can do to pass on your blessings and spread kindness… May this Ramadan inspire you to do what you can for others today and, more importantly, throughout the year.
Often, and especially in the month of Ramadan, a lot of food goes to waste due to the large amounts that are traditionally prepared for Iftar. Leftovers from restaurants can be given to those who may not have the means to prepare iftars for themselves. Instead of storing excess food in the back of your fridge, where it will most likely be forgotten, why not share your abundance with others instead? "Itaam" is a Saudi Food Bank that takes excess food and gives it to the less fortunate.
If you find yourself with enough groceries to make extra food for Iftar, harness the spirit of Ramadan and cook some different meals to share with those in your community. be it your next-door neighbor, family, or friends, an extra dish on the table will always be appreciated
We all have clothes in our closets that we no longer wear or haven’t even thought about for months, if not years. Take this as an opportunity to declutter your closet and spark joy for others. There are many local charities where you can donate items in good condition. You can even drop them off in one of the donation boxes or kiosks that are available across various communities in the Kingdom, usually near mosques.
No act of kindness is too big or small when it comes to being kind to those around you. Be it members of your community, or helping strangers on the street, giving back is not just about money; small and random acts of kindness such as leaving an extra tip for your server, helping with the cooking at home, or complimenting a colleague or others on a job well done can go a long way. Compassion and kindness can be woven into our everyday actions and make just as large of an impact as a donation can.
One of the most vulnerable groups of people is those who have lost their families. Orphanages and social homes around the country are filled with children who want to experience the same Ramadan spirit that we all have the privilege of enjoying. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ideally visiting orphanages in person with some food and gifts may be difficult. However, there are other ways to bring a smile to orphan children’s faces as well as your own. This includes aligning yourself with organisations that assist orphans in different ways. These include the Albir and Ensan foundations that have Ramadan services specifically for orphans around the kingdom.
The month of Ramadan is an excellent opportunity to find ways to bring your community together by instilling the spirit of unity and brotherhood. For example, you can have neighbourhood kids hang up hand messages of kindness on house gates. You can even host simple events with the family, rather than the neighbourhood to keep traditions alive, while keeping COVID-19 social distancing precautions in place. You can also arrange a garage sale, donating proceeds to a charity of your choice. Consider adding a generosity box alongside your Ramdan themed activities to pass on the goodwill. Organized neighborhood events like these bring communities together, and they’re fun!
If you would like to know more about getting involved in such activities, check out Misk Community and stay up to date on how you can help your community.
