The first Ashra of the holy month of Ramzan is over and we have entered the second Ashra. As all the Muslims know that first Ashra is of Rehmat (Allah’s mercy), the second Ashra is Magfirat (Allah’s forgiveness) and the last Ashra is of Azadi (emancipation from the fire). This is the month of fasting and prayers; Muslims seeks Allah’s mercy and forgiveness and also freedom from the hell fire. However, these are Haqooq-ul-Allah (believers rights towards Almighty) and strictly between creator and the creation. The most important factor of the Islam that Muslims need to understand and appreciate is Haqooq-ul-Abad (rights towards Allah’s creations).
The holy month of Ramzan is the time when those who believe and are fasting should think about people around them. This is the month when those fasting should feel the pain of those who are in need; those who are poor, destitute, orphans, widows. While breaking the fast every evening with praises of Almighty on their lips, they should spare a few thoughts about those who may have nothing to eat.
Kashmir has been passing through very difficult times. There are people whose financial condition is very weak. There is too much poverty all around. This necessitates the need that people on individual level as well as community level wake up to the reality and come forward to help the needy. Sadaqah al-fitr has been made obligatory with the sole aim that no one goes hungry on the day of Eid. But besides it, people should come out to help the needy when and where required.
Local Masjid committees can do a great job in helping the poor with the help of the community. These committee members are well aware of the financial conditions of those living within the community and thus can easily identify the needy ones and thus help them by collecting donations from the community members. These initiatives will ensure that no one goes hungry during the holy month and beyond as Ramzan serves as a sobering reminder of our responsibility to support others as the Quran emphasizes the relevance of charity (sadaqah) in Islam, urging us to give from our earnings to help those in need.
Let us continue to uphold the fundamental values of kindness, compassion, and solidarity during this blessed month. Together, we can ensure that everyone has access to the food and assistance they need to flourish. However, a word of caution – utmost care should be taken about the dignity and the honour of those who are helped. In such acts, discretion is what Almighty loves.
