Orphans and Ramadan: A Great Combination
By Saghir Aslam
Rawalpindi, Pakistan
(The following information is provided solely to educate the Muslim community about investing and financial planning. It is hoped that the Ummah will benefit from this effort through greater financial empowerment, enabling the community to live in security and dignity and fulfill their religious and moral obligations towards charitable activities)
Ramdan is the month of the revelation of the Qur’an, a month of fasting, a month of getting closer to Allah SWT, and doing more than average to add to the good deeds to our account of virtues for the hereafter. It’s also the month of charity: anything you give in Ramadan will be rewarded double, triple or even more.
There are several charitable actions that Allah SWT has mentioned in the Qur’an and has asked us to do. One of them is that of helping and honoring the orphans. This has been mentioned several times in the Qur’an, and we have been encouraged to take care of the orphans. Clearly, this is one of the most important tasks for a Muslim to perform in his/her life, particularly those who have the means to support the orphans.
An orphan child not only needs in-kind support, i.e., food, clothes, etc. which are important, but is more in need of love, compassion, counseling and mentoring. He/she needs to be given opportunities to be successful in life. Every child has a dream and so does an orphan child. Good deeds during Ramadan include fulfilling an orphan’s dreams.
Due to the loss of one or both parents, the trauma that is caused to an orphan child is immense and it doesn’t go away in a short span of time; in fact, in some cases, it doesn’t go away for the rest of his/her life. To help orphan children overcome the trauma they go through, one has to offer more than just bread and shelter. One has to develop an effective plan to help the orphan child to be successful in life. Create a family-oriented, secure and friendly environment for the orphan child to live and grow in, offer them the best available education opportunities.
Which is why, in Surah Al-fajr Allah SWT has mentioned: No! But you do not honor the orphan. 89:17.
So it’s not just about giving the orphans the bare minimum food, clothes, etc. but it’s about treating them respectfully as decent human beings, and showing them regard and kindness as we do with our own children. We should provide them with the best support that we can and treat them just as we treat our own children.
One of the ways to support them is to give your FITRA to the orphans. Make the best use of it and give it as soon as possible. Do not wait till the last minute on Eid Day, as most of us do. The earlier you give, the better it is as organizations like Saba Homes can get the orphans something for Eid.
There are many orphan support programs run by various organizations that you can choose from. One of the unique and one-of-its-kind orphan development program is Saba Homes where orphan girls are treated like daughters and not numbers. They get the best to secure a better future and become civilized citizens. You can donate online by visiting: www.sabatrust.org or can simply call our office on 714.305.5425 or Email: info@sabatrust.org.
(Saghir A.Aslam only explains strategies and formulas that he has been using. He is merely providing information, and No ADVICE is given. Mr Aslam does not endorse or recommend any broker, brokerage firm, or any investment at all, nor does he suggest that anyone will earn a profit when or if they purchase stocks, bonds or any other investments. All stocks or investment vehicles mentioned are for illustrative purpose only. Mr Aslam is not an attorney, accountant, real estate broker, stockbroker, investment advisor, or certified financial planner. MrAslam does not have anything for sale.)
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