Muslims provide bagged lunches for the poor and homeless

A group of children, ranging in ages between 7 and 13, got together to prepare 200 bagged lunches for the Beacon House men’s emergency shelter in Frederick, MD on Saturday. The children belong to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, whose US headquarters are located in Silver Spring, MD. The activity was organized by the women’s auxiliary of the Potomac Chapter and was carried out at the residence of Ruqaiya Asad, the president of the women’s auxiliary. This was one of the three social service activities that were held in the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. The women cooked and served a hot meal at the Frederick Community Action Agency’s soup kitchen in downtown Frederick last week and also donated food items to Sophia House, a women’s shelter in Rockville, MD.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, an international organization, established in more than 200 countries, has been an active participant in various social services programs all over the world. In the Islamic holy month of Ramadan the community increases such activities as part of their religious obligation.

“Ramadan is about sacrifice. It’s about giving up food and water,” said Sadiq Asad, the youth coordinator for boys aged 7 to 16. “The kids are getting an idea about a bigger world which is more than just being with their friends. It’s about helping others. When they enjoy being with each other and coming together and working together they will want to do such activities in the future as well,” Asad further remarked.

The last ten days of Ramadan are particularly considered to be the most blessed part of the month. The significance of this month lies in the fact that the Muslim Holy Scripture, the Qur’an, was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad during Ramadan. There is no written record of the exact date but the tradition says that it was revealed on one of the odd nights of the last ten days. Doing charitable deeds go hand in hand with the practice of fasting. It is thus an opportune time to help those in need.

The children learned about the importance of charity and doing good deeds through a fun-filled activity. The lunch bag included a turkey sandwich, a piece of fruit, a juice drink, a bag of chips, and a rice krispies treat. An assembly line arrangement allowed each child to be a part of preparing the bags. Zaki Malik and Zoraiz Rehan, both seven years old, were just thrilled and excited to be together. “I feel happy that I am here and this is a lot of fun,” said Zoraiz Rehan. His friend Zaki Malik was equally happy for being able to help out those in need. “I feel sad and bad when I see some people on the streets begging for money. So I am glad that we are making lunches for these poor people,” Malik said

Caring for those in need teaches one to be grateful for what they have. “Helping the poor makes me feel thankful to God for what I have,” said Anisa Asad.

The two hundred bags were taken over to the men’s shelter where they were received with much gratitude. This is certainly not the last time that the women’s group will provide meals to the shelter or to the soup kitchen. After all helping the less fortunate is an integral part of the Islamic belief.

 “It’s always enjoyable getting the children of our community involved in social services. They are always excited to do the work and help make a difference,” remarked Ruqaiya Asad. “I feel the experiences the boys and girls have now in the soup kitchen or preparing bagged lunches will have an important impact on them in the future. As members of the women’s auxiliary, I am glad we have had the opportunity to help train our youth,” she further added.