Homeschooled 12-year-old's Writing Selected for National Campaign

Ramadan, the holy month of fasting that Muslims worldwide observe, is only a few weeks away. During this sacred month, being good and doing good takes on even greater relevance. Besides fasting, it is a month of extra prayer, extra patience, extra good deeds, extra reflection, extra self-improvement and extra charity - a month of being good "on steroids" as it were.

Giving is Good

"The most wonderful time of the year" for Muslims, believers around the world prioritize zakat (obligatory giving) and sadaqah (voluntary charity) to support those in need.

In fact, American Muslims donated approximately $1.8 billion to Muslim causes in zakat in 2021, according to the Muslim American Zakat Report. Additionally, the 2021 Muslim American Giving Report found Muslims donated an estimated $4.3 billion to non-religious causes that year. Similarly, the 2019 Muslim American Philanthropy Report found that American Muslims were 81% more likely to contribute to organizations that address domestic poverty outside of their own faith.

Inspired Generosity: Muslim American Stories in Philanthropy, a three-year national initiative, was launched by the WF Fund in 2024 to highlight and celebrate these acts of generosity within the Muslim American community. It called for entries showcasing lived experiences.

Lombard Resident's Entry Shines

Writers Studio student and Lombard, IL resident, Nawfal J. age 12, had his work "Ramadan Blessings" selected from among submissions nationwide for the Inspired Generosity campaign amplifying "Muslim American generosity through storytelling". His entry was featured in Inspired Generosity's inaugural exhibit in Atlanta at the Auburn Avenue Research Library. From 200 entries that made the final cut, this multimedia showcase presented up to 50 curated stories presented through videos, photos, poetry, digital art, and audio narratives. Every entry illustrated personal stories and lived experiences on how Islam inspires generosity, whether it's a warm smile, cutting a donation check or anything in between.

"We are so happy that one of our student's submission was selected for this exhibit that shares narratives about Muslims' 'spirituality driving good works'," said Naazish YarKhan, CEO of WritersStudio.us . "We work on building writing skills as much as self-confidence in one's identity, ideas, opinions and perspectives - a passion for self-expression. Our goal includes finding platforms and opportunities for our students to shine. It was towards this end that our students submitted their writing for the Inspired Generosity campaign."

Over the next three years and with exhibits in several cities, Inspired Generosity aims to challenge misconceptions about American Muslims by sharing authentic stories of their compassion and community impact. "It will also help us as American Muslims see the cumulative impact we're making as neighbors," said YarKhan. Here is Nawfal's winning submission !!

Photo: Photo by Pexels/ Sultan Annakkaya : https://www.pexels.com/photo/i...

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