Ramadan
Ramadan Appeal
“The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So, whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey – then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful.” -Surat Al-Baqarah 2:185
Ramadan is the holiest month in the calendar and many Muslims are eagerly awaiting it every year. It is a month filled with blessings and the opportunity to build a stronger relationship with our Lord through Sawm (fasting), prayer and Sadaqah.
For most Muslims, it is a month of celebration and large Iftars (meals breaking a day of fasting), nourishing meals for family and friends. However, for millions of elderly people in Pakistan, Ramadan fasting is no different from their daily struggle for food and clean water. Instead of lavish Iftars, many of the elderly barely have enough food to break their fast.
Help the elderly this Ramadan
“Verily those who give sadaqah, men and women, and lend Allah a goody loan, it shall be increased manifold, and theirs shall be an honourable good reward”
(Quran 57:18).
The grandparents need you
Today, in Pakistan, over two million elderly people lack the food, medicine and shelter necessary for survival.
Traditionally, in Pakistan, elderly members of the family have always been cared for by their relatives and local communities. However, due to increased urbanisation and poverty in the region, many elderly men and women have been left alone and vulnerable. Those who do live with caregivers often feel like a burden because families are unable to afford the medical care they need.
The elderly in Pakistan are facing a bleak future. Instead of hope, respect and a dignified life, they suffer instead from financial insecurity, as well as physical and psychological abuse at the hands of their family and community.
This abuse and the poor living conditions are leading to increasing rates of suicide, malnutrition and otherwise treatable medical conditions. Every day the situation in Pakistan becomes more desperate for the elderly. Nowadays, more than ever, Pakistan may be facing a national crisis because of the new virus, and the elderly are the most vulnerable of the population, with the highest rate of mortality after getting infected with the virus.
There is an increasingly ageing population who has no access to financial and medical support. Today, there are millions of elderly men and women who are living in extreme poverty. With no access to clean water, food and shelter, they suffer from ongoing, painful physical and psychological afflictions.
Your Sadaqah and Zakat give them some hope in Ramadan and helps them celebrate the blessed month the way they deserve to.