Tag: Islamic Giving

Families need your help, now more than ever

As coronavirus reaches communities worldwide, our Ramadan food parcels are needed more desperately than ever. Many people will have fallen sick or lost loved ones to COVID-19. Countless families have seen their incomes plummet or disappear altogether, as work dries up and lockdowns prevent them from earning a living.

The holy month is still a time of joy, as we spend the blessed month drawing closer to God. But it is also a time of great anxiety and suffering – especially in the poorest households. Already on the edge of survival, they are least able to cope with this public health emergency and desperately need help.

Islamic Relief will not fail them, insha’Allah.

We have been hard at work to adapt our Ramadan distributions to ensure we can still get food parcels to the families that need them – and that we do so safely without endangering our staff or the people and communities we serve.

It is a massive undertaking because the situation is different in each of the 25 countries covered by our Ramadan program this year.

In some countries there are no restrictions on movement; others are starting to tentatively ease restrictions while others still – such as Indonesia, Kenya, and Lebanon – remain in full or partial lockdown.

We’re delivering food safely in 25 countries

Our global family is working closely with the authorities in each country to make sure our teams on the ground adhere to their COVID-19 guidelines. Fortunately, in most countries we are able to distribute food packs while observing social distancing.

Usually, our teams distribute food packs in the first 10 days of Ramadan but this year they’re doing things differently to avoid generating large gatherings of people. This year, the distribution period is being extended so it is spread across 4-6 weeks – the extended dates means fewer people attend collection points at one time. Our teams on the ground  are also offering people time slots to collect their parcels and encouraging them to come alone to avoid overcrowding.

In some countries our teams are taking food parcels direct to people’s doors while in other places our partners are working with national postal services so food parcels are delivered directly to families at home. And where this is not possible, such as in Ethiopia, Sudan and Gaza, we’re issuing vouchers so families can collect food from the suppliers with whom we’ve made arrangements.

Your donations are reaching the most vulnerable

In these difficult times we’re inspired by the continued generosity of our supporters who are allowing us to reach people’s homes, across countries and continents, to help those less fortunate during the holy month.

Thanks to our big-hearted donors, we’re adapting to the challenges that COVID-19 is throwing at us.

And, crucially, we’re doing so safely. Our priority is and always will be the welfare of those we serve and our dedicated staff and volunteers.

Help us ease the suffering of some of the world’s most vulnerable families during the holy month.

Donate to our Ramadan Appeal now

We are  excited to announce the launch of our Ramadan 2020 campaign ‘Everyone is welcome’.  With the holy month of  Ramadan  around the corner,  we take this opportunity to remind you that there is no better time to not only nurture and strengthen our relationship with our Creator, Allah (swt), but also those around us.  

We know that Ramadan is one of the holiest months of the Islamic calendar; a month in which Muslims around the world fast from sunrise to sunset each day.  

This holy month is a time for spiritual reflection, charity and solidarity. It is an opportunity to reap great spiritual rewards, but it also serves as a reminder to nurture connections with our communities and to reach out to those in need.   

This Ramadan, everyone is welcome 

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. [Qur’an 49:13] 

As we work on improving our relationship with God during this blessed month, we are also encouraged to strengthen our relationships with our family, friends, neighbours and communities. There are lots of ways we can do this – including sharing food, volunteering, giving charity and connecting with people of all faiths and none.  

Inspired by the verse above, this year our Ramadan campaign is about welcoming the holy month of Ramadan, but also about welcoming people from all faiths, backgrounds, and walks of life to embrace the spirit of Ramadan by giving charity, practicing tolerance, spending time with loved ones and being kind.  

How you can help those in need:

Your Zakat  

Zakat means ‘growth’ and ‘purification’. We purify our wealth by giving a portion of it to those who need it. As with the pruning of plants, when we cut back we create balance and encourage new growth.  

Many people choose to pay their zakat during this holy month, a blessed month in which the reward for good deeds is multiplied.  

Donate a food pack  

During the holy month, you can purchase a $70  food pack, and provide immediate relief to a family struggling to put meals on the table. 

When is it?

This year, Ramadan is expected to begin on the evening of Thursday 23 April. It is expected to end at sunset on Saturday 23 May 2020. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar which is marked by the sighting of the new moon.

During this holy month, Muslims are obligated to fast from before dawn through to sunset every day for 29 or 30 days. Ramadan is the fourth pillar of Islam and is an important time for Muslims to reflect, pray and practice compassion and humility.

A little background on Ramadan

The word ‘Ramadan’ comes from the Arabic word ‘Ramad,’ which means to be intensely heated by the sun.  Scholars have said during the blessed month, the sins of the believers are being burnt.

The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said, “Whoever observes fasts during the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and hoping to attain Allah’s rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven.” 

Following the Sunnah

The Prophet (pbuh) epitomised virtuous character and exemplified the Islamic values of mercy, kindness, tolerance and equality. Muslims try to follow his example – or sunnah – in drawing closer to God. In Ramadan, this includes  making du’a for others, feeding people and giving charity.

Our Ramadan message

O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. [Qur’an 49:13] 

To welcome this holy month, we’re asking you to practice compassion and to celebrate diversity – to come together as a community and learn from and help each other.

Furthermore, charity is held in high regard in Islam, therefore, it is made an obligation for Muslims in the form of Zakat. Zakat is one of the major five pillars of Islam. It is a necessity to give Zakat to those who are wealthy enough.

Be prepared this holy month and calculate your Zakat now.

Mohd Zarith Md Hanipah

On Thursday 1 August 2019, Islamic Relief Australia was honoured by a visit from His Eminence The Grand Mufti of Australia, Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohammed. As a show of his ongoing support to the charity, The Grand Mufti joined Islamic Relief staff in celebrating a milestone for the organisation –having reached over 420,000 vulnerable people globally across its humanitarian and development activities in 2018. As a member of the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID), Islamic Relief Australia has supported projects and activities in 34 countries to combat poverty and injustice while providing vital humanitarian assistance to communities in need.

In the past year, Islamic Relief has benefitted over 9,000 community members in Australia through its domestic violence awareness campaign, youth development programs, migrant and refugee support, and family and women’s support interventions. Dr Ibrahim delivered a moving speech highlighting the importance of giving charity and commended the organisation for building stronger, healthier communities both locally and internationally. Dr Ibrahim was also proud of Islamic Relief’s achievements and gave his unwavering support to the organisation and the work it does in transforming the lives of the world’s most vulnerable people regardless of their background, ethnicity or religion.

The theme of Islamic Relief Australia’s current Qurban campaign is A Prophet’s Legacy, which commemorates the Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) and the momentous act of submission he made. As part of a global family, Islamic Relief aims to benefit over 3 million people in over 35 countries through its Qurban Program during Eid al-Adha this year. Islamic Relief Australia is made up of a dedicated group of staff, donors, community members, partners and volunteers working together to empower communities in need and create positive change in the world.

Aminata’s Story

Aminata Samake, is a 36-year-old mother of two and a small trader who lives in Mali. She has two daughters, Almoussa and Fanawele, aged four and ten respectively. As a widow and someone with disabilities, it has been very difficult for Aminata to support her family on her own.

“My family incomes comes from the small trade I am doing which consists of selling traditional medicines. I am the only one to take care of the family. Due to my disability, it is very difficult for me to cover all my children needs. Most of the time, I cannot provide the three required meal to my children. It is my neighbour sends us the remaining of their food. The sponsorship allowance of my daughter, Almoussa, helps me to buy food too,” she says.

2018 was the second year she benefitted from your generous donation.

“Qurban Meat Pack is so important for my children and me. It is my second time I benefitted from it. Before Islamic Relief, we used to spend many Eids without eating meat. Sometimes, we got meat from generous neighbours. Ever since we started receiving meat from Islamic Relief, my children are so happy.”

As meat is scarce and expensive, Aminata and her children do not have the luxury of eating meat. She commented:

“Oh meat!! I do not remember the last time we ate meat. My children and I can spend several months without eating even a small piece.”

She is also on the receives support from Islamic Relief’s Orphan Sponsorship and Ramadan programs and is very grateful for all the assistance she receives.

“I do thank IR and its generous donors. Without IR I would be begging now. I say this, as I did not have any means to find food for me and my family…ensuring their education. Now, we need good income generating activities in our community. ”

Written by Mohd Zarith Md Hanipah

Nakhla is a 35-year-old widow and mother of three young children from Yemen. Since losing her husband, the family breadwinner, seven years ago, Nakhla relies on loans from her family and neighbours as well as financial assistance from Islamic Relief to provide the basics for her family.

However, there are some days Nakhla still struggles to put nutritious meals on the table for her kids, often forgoing meat when she doesn’t have enough money for groceries.

“Lack of meat affects the health of my children…Most of the time we eat rice, potatoes and vegetables. If we lack the money we stay without food for one day or more. The hardest feeling [is] when my children go to school and they are hungry, I feel sad,” she says.

Last year, during Eid al-Adha, Islamic Relief provided fresh Qurban meat packs to Nakhla’s family and helped them make the most of the festive season. “The meat provided by Islamic Relief [was] enough for four days. My kids love meat and they become happy and enjoy Eid with their favourite dish…they [Islamic Relief] draw a smile in the faces of my children and other needy children.”

Remember, the charity you give today will be your legacy tomorrow. Give Qurban.

In 2018, Nakhla’s family in Yemen was just one of the many vulnerable families your gift of fresh Qurban meat helped during Eid al-Adha. With your generosity, we were able to create lasting memories for vulnerable families everywhere. This year again, they are relying on you to help make their Eid al-Adha a happy one.

With the holiest month of the Islamic calendar drawing to a close, Muslims around the world will await the sight of the new moon to signify the start of Eid al Fitr 2019.

When is Eid al Fitr 2019?

Eid al Fitr 2019 is predicted to begin on the evening of Tuesday the 4th of June, indicating that the Eid al Fitr prayer will occur on the morning of Wednesday the 5th of June.

Eid al Fitr can be translated to as, ‘the celebration of breaking the fast’, and comes after Muslims fast the Islamic month of Ramadan. Eid al Fitr takes places on the first day of the Islamic month of Shawaal.

Before the Eid al Fitr prayer takes place, Muslims are advised to donate Zakat al Fitr.

What is Zakat al Fitr?

Abdullah Ibn ‘Umar said that the Holy Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) ordered the people to pay Zakat al Fitr before going to the Eid prayer. (al-Bukhari)

Before the Eid al-Fitr prayer at the end of Ramadan, every adult Muslim who possesses food in excess of their needs must pay zakat al-fitr (fitrana). The head of household can also pay zakat al-fitr for their dependants such as children, servants and any dependent relatives.

Zakat al-Fitr can be paid during Ramadan, before Eid al-Fitr prayers at the latest, so that the poor can enjoy the day of Eid.

The minimum amount due is the equivalent of about 2 kg of wheat flour, rice or other staple foodstuff, per member of the household, including dependants, even if they do not live in the same house.

Eid Celebrations ( Gaza) 

Eid with Islamic Relief

As communities come together to celebrate the end of Ramadan with prayer, feasts and charity, for Islamic Relief Worldwide, Eid al Fitr marks the end of a successful distribution campaign delivering 311,000 food-packs in 34 countries, benefiting 1.7 million people.

We pray that our Muslim brothers and sisters all around the world  experience a joyful and loving Eid among their families, neighbours and communities.

Eid Ul Fitr clothes and school package distribution in Niger

What Are The Last Ten Days of Ramadan and When do They Take Place 

The Last Ten Days of Ramadan are recognised as the most virtuous and blessed ten nights in Islam. The Last Ten Days take place from the beginning of the 20th night in Ramadan until Eid al-Fitr. A great reward is given to those who performed acts of goodness and worship on that night.  

“The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter. Peace it is until the emergence of dawn”  

[Qur’an: 97:3-5]

(Sahih International Translation) 

There has come to you Ramadan, a blessed month which Allah has enjoined you to fast, during which the gates of heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed, and the rebellious devils are chained up. In it there is a night which is better than a thousand months, and whoever is deprived of its goodness is indeed deprived.  

(Hadith Bukhari) 

The Best Dua to Recite on The Last Ten Days  

للَّهُمَّ اِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ ، تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي 

Allahumma innaka `Afuwwun TuHibbul `Afwa Fa`fu `Annii. 

O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness; so forgive me 

Here’s some context, Aisha, the wife of the Prophet (pbuh) reported,  

I asked: “O Messenger of Allah! If I realize Lailat-ul-Qadr (Night of Decree), what should I supplicate in it?” He ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) replied, “You should supplicate: Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun, tuhibbul-‘afwa, fa’fu ‘anni (O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness; so forgive me).” [At-Tirmidhi].

During this time, men and women can do I’tikaf, in which they spend their last ten nights in their mosques and worship Allah (swt).

The last ten days of Ramadan are upon us.

Around the world we’re creating positive changes in the lives of the most vulnerable.

This Ramadan we’re calling on you to help us create positive change in the lives of the most vulnerable ?

It’s that time of year again – yes it’s Ramadan! It’s the holiest month of the year in which the Holy Qur’an was revealed and when Muslims across the globe commit to fasting from sunrise to sunset in remembrance of the poor and needy and in worship to Allah Almighty. Yes, this sacred month has arrived and with that comes the hunger pangs, nights at the mosque, dedicated reading of the Qur’an and of course – the little quirks! The questions, the jokes, yep we’ve heard them all before. Ramadan wouldn’t be the same without them!

Here’s our ten quirks which sum up the blessed month!

1.  Non-Muslims asking if you go without food and drink for a whole month

We can almost guarantee that unless your non-Muslim friends, neighbours and colleagues are familiar with your faith and fasting, you’ve been asked this question at least once. Yep, we may fast for many hours at a time but alhamdulillah, we enjoy a good meal at the end of each day! We can’t even begin to imagine what state we’d be in if we stopped eating and drinking completely – in fact, even thinking about it makes daily fasting sound a bit of a breeze. Astaghfirullah!

2.  All the date jokes making their regular appearance

3.  Becoming a seasoned siesta-aficionado

Well, well, well – we never knew we were so Mediterranean, did we? During Ramadan, a siesta is a must! From adapting the medical room at work or popping home for a nap, we make that afternoon nap a must. Don’t ask us to go without it or we may just struggle to function or keep our eyes open. Well, what else is our lunch break going to be used for (other than prayer of course!)? Yep, bring on the siesta for that mini energy boost!

4.  Bringing a new meaning to the word “hangry”!

Allah loves to test us and Ramadan is definitely a test in itself! If the struggle to remain calm and collected when you’ve not had your lunch wasn’t difficult enough, we’ve got to fight those nafs (urges, desires and bouts of irritability)! There’s no point in fasting if we’re rude, unpleasant and unbearable towards others. So on with the fight against “hanger”!

5.  Finding everyone’s fixated on the moon

Is it Ramadan yet? Is it Eid? Has the moon been sighted? No that’s Saudi, I follow X, Y Z. Yes, never before does the appearance of the moon become so exciting, yet also so contentious. From disagreements on which country/location to follow (home or abroad) and the need to explain to your non-Muslim boss that you’d like time off work but aren’t really sure what day(s) you need off, it’s all about the moon!

6.  Eating in the office becoming a secret activity

For anyone unable to fast (menstruating and breastfeeding women, diabetics, our non-Muslim colleagues etc.), there’s always that niggling feeling of guilt and well-meaning questions: should I eat in the office? Can I eat here? From congregations of women gathering to eat in the prayer room to the office exodus at lunch-time, eating becomes the elephant in the room quietly trying to remain inconspicuous. Hey, guys, it’s fine! As long as you’re not salivating with a gigantic beef burger before our eyes, licking your lips and telling us how mouth-wateringly scrumptious it is, then go for it!

7.  “What, not even water?!”

A bit like #1, the other BIG question of the month and the draw-dropping answer is around water. Yep, it’s no food or drink during daylight hours for the full month. Yes, that’s no water, no tea, no coffee, no juice, no fizzy drinks; nothing except toothpaste, or lip balm can touch our lips – definitely not anything edible or refreshing!

8.  Forgetting what a full-night’s sleep feels like

With suhur, fajr prayers, iftar, late night maghreb, ishah and taraweeh prayers* – not to mention the urge to go to the toilet whilst you’re in bed after drinking all that water – sleep becomes somewhat of a distant memory during Ramadan. So, when we’re at work blurry-eyed and not feeling our freshest, it’s not often the lack of food or drink, it’s the fact that we’re lacking a full night’s sleep due to our new eating, drinking and additional worship habits (as well as all the social iftars!) that makes us a little slower than usual. Unless you’re one of those insane people who can get by on four hours sleep each night, we’re definitely not going to be our usual spritely selves!

9.  The mistrust of the clock!

So you’ve got your alarm clock, your watch, your phone – in fact, so many ways of telling the time but when it comes to suhur and iftar, which one can you really trust?! And so that feeling of panic sets in. Shall I wait longer to break my fast? How much longer? Has the time passed? Yes, you’re hungry, you’re starving….ahh! We’ve all been there. With so much technology nowadays and no public athan (call to prayer) as we’re living in a non-Muslim country, you’d think we’d have worked out a way to know what time it is.  But we’re never quite sure which device to trust…

10.  Discovering you’ve put on weight…

“You must lose so much weight!” gasps our non-Muslim neighbour, friend, colleague etc. Well… You’d think that eating significantly less food than usual for a whole month would mean we’d get rid of quite a few extra kilos wouldn’t you? But no… many of us even put on weight! How, you may ask? Well it’s those darn samosas, cakes, baklawa and all. Don’t blame us – we were invited to the iftar. It’s rude to turn down food, don’t you know!

Jokes aside, Ramadan is a special time for us all. As the holiest period of the year, we’re able to give thanks to Allah Almighty for all we’ve been blessed with and remember those in need across the globe. As we break our fast or tuck into our suhur, let’s remember the millions of people across the world who are struggling to survive due to poverty, famine, disasters, climate change and conflict. Let’s be their support.

Allah (SWT) tells us: “Whosoever saves a life, saves the whole of mankind.” (Qur’an 5: 32)

The original article was posted by Islamic Relief UK and written by Junaid Ahmed

“All the deeds of the son of Adam are for him, except fasting, which is for Me and I shall reward for it.”’ (Hadith Qudsi, Bukhari) 

Ramadan is our divine and holy period in which we are instructed to fast from dawn to sunset. Fasting Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. During this month all Muslims, regardless of age, gender, race and ethnicity are invited to ‘Change’.  

Yes, we want to change this month. We want to be the better versions of ourselves in spirituality, emotionally and physically. 

The wisdom, power, and impact of Ramadan is beyond our understanding. We are blessed with a time to reflect, renew and improve ourselves. We are blessed with a time to be self-disciplined, caring, compassionate and visionary. 

Here are some sweet tips you can perform this Ramadan to reap easy rewards.

1. Performing Consistent Tasbeeh 

“Allah, the Most High said: ‘I am as My slave of Me, and I am with him when he remembers Me. If he remembers Me to himself, I remember him to Myself, and if he remembers Me in a gathering, I remember him in a gathering better than that. And if he seeks to draw nearer to Me by a hand span, I draw nearer to him by a forearm’s length, and if he comes to Me by a forearm’s length, I draw nearer to him by an arm’s length. And if he comes to Me walking, I come to him quickly.’” (Al-Bukhari 7405).

You can say tahmeed, tahleel and tasbeeh as a form of dhikr.

Tahmeed: Al-hamdu Lillah (All praises be to God).
Tahleel: Laa ilaha ill-Allah (There is no god but Allah).
Tasbeeh: Subhaan-Allah (Glory be to God). 

 2. Nutrition 

Eating a nutritious suhoor and a light Iftar. Ramadan should be our opportunity to enhance our eating habits and enable us to see positive changes in our spirituality as well as our body. Intermittent fasting has been making a global impact encompassing major similarities to Muslims fasting in Ramadan. 

The benefits of fasting has proven to initiate positive changes in cellular processes and hormone levels in the body. Alongside healthy eating, fasting can cause weight loss of 3-8% over 3-24 weeks. Fasting has been shown to have major benefits for insulin resistance and lead to an impressive reduction in blood sugar levels.

3. Praying In Congregation 

 “Salat in congregation is twenty-seven times more meritorious than a Salat performed individually.” (Bukhari & Muslim) 

4. Tarawih 

“Whoever prays at night in Ramadan out of faith and the hope of reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven.” (Bukhari)

5. Reading Qur’an  

[This is] a blessed Book which We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], that they might reflect upon its verses and that those of understanding would be reminded. (Quran 38:29) 

The reward for reading Suratul Ikhlaas three times is the same as the reward for reading the entire Qur’an! 

 6. Sharing your Iftaar with other fasting Muslims!

When you share your plate or table with someone else who is fasting, Allah (swt) rewards you with the reward of fasting!

7. Share This Article With Someone You Know! 

“Whoever guides someone to goodness will have a similar reward.” (Muslim) 

On the behalf of the Islamic Relief Team, we pray that your Ramadan will be full of prayers, prosperity and blessings. May Allah (swt) forgive your sins, fill up your banks with good deeds and accept your prayers to be among the residents of Paradise.