Despite Lockdown, Manhattan Muslims Give Back to Needy

During the holy month of Ramadan, observant Muslims abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset.

Other devotional practices during Ramadan include reading the Qur’an, Islam’s holy book, and performing acts of benevolence to draw closer to God.

? Read Also: Different Beginnings of Ramadan: How to Find Laylat al-Qadr?

At a time of social distancing, members of the Muslim community could not stand still without helping the needy.

Volunteers from Muslims Giving Back head to Manhattan’s Herald Square to feed those in need every night, Pix 11 reported.

“This is faith through action,” organization coordinator Mohammed Widdi said.

“We run out of food and there’s still a line that wraps around the block. We’re like ‘wow, this is really, really serious.”

Widdi said it’s rewarding to show people “what Islam is all about.”

The Muslim nonprofit has also created a shelter for victims of domestic violence.

“We are all one big family – doesn’t matter if you’re Muslim or not Muslim,” Widdi said. “In fact, the majority of the people we help out are not even Muslim.”

The month of Ramadan is definitely a month of sharing and solidarity, and Muslims exert efforts during the holy month to give charity to the needy.

A British Muslim, Haroon Mota, is running 260km over the course of the holy month to raise money for Penny Appeal’s Emergency Response program.

Arsenal Muslim midfielder Mesut Özil has also made a generous £80,000 donation to a Turkish charity to help Muslims during Ramadan amid coronavirus crisis.