They are fasting for long hours themselves. Yet, volunteers in a Birmingham Muslim charity are making the best of their Ramadan by standing out to help feed the needy.

“It’s difficult because the fasts are long, they go from 3.30am to 9 pm,” Taz Khan, 36, a member of As-Suffa charity, told Birmingham Live.

“At the end of this long 18/19 hour fast, you are serving hot food to people – food you cannot eat. That part can be difficult but you know why you are doing it and you know by 9 pm you will eat.

“We will be back in our warm houses but there are people out there who do not have that luxury.

“For me, it is to be internally grateful and appreciate what you do have.”

Muslims are currently observing Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar.

In Ramadan, adult Muslims, save the sick and those traveling, abstain from food, drink, smoking and sex between dawn and sunset.

Muslims dedicate their time during Ramadan to get closer to Allah through prayer, charity, self-restraint, and good deeds.

Ramadan is a blessed month where the rewards for all of our good deeds are multiplied and this includes charity work and donations.

Daily Effort

Every day, Muslim volunteers finish their day jobs and head to Lionel Street in central Birmingham to serve hot meals to the homeless, as well as providing companionship and practical help.

As-Suffa, which also has centers in Walsall, Coventry, has provided a quarter of a million hot meals to the homeless since 2012.

“It’s easier to do this during Ramadan than any other month because whilst your energy levels are naturally low, spiritually you are on a high,” Khan said.

After serving the food, the volunteers walk around talking to their “guests.”

Khan said: “One of the reasons we have people come back to us is that we do not dehumanize them. This could happen to anyone.

“We’ve had successful people come here like former bankers, former teachers, people who have been stable and then lost their jobs and cannot pay their rent.

“Our motto is the best of people are those who benefit mankind – that fuels everything we do.”