Spare a grant for the unsung sisterhood of charity

Maryam Ismail thinks about those among us that are working over time to give during this Ramadan

Volunteers collect the water that they will distribute to workers as part of the Sameness Project's water distribution campaign to workers during the hot summer months. Antonie Robertson / The NationaShow more

Ramadan is the time to fix the chinks in your spiritual amour by increasing your consciousness of Allah through prayer, understanding your faith through the Quran and purifying your soul through acts of charity. However, sometimes, you need a little inspiration.

It could be from Sheikh Zayed and the other rulers of the UAE as well as their family members, all of whom have a long tradition of caring for orphans, providing education, housing and medical services for those who are desperately in need.

Some take inspiration from celebrities or from big brands. Among the recent celebrities to pledge that he would give up his wealth is Prince Alwaleed bin Talal of Saudi Arabia. Closer to home, businessman Abdullah Al Gharair earmarked a third of his Dh4.2 billion fortune for an educational fund. Prince Alwaleed said he would give his fortune to charity. He has already provided homes for 10,000 of his fellow citizens. I am sure if this sentiment is shared by other wealthy people, we could end poverty.

Cynics will still say that Prince Alwaleed is just showing off, like those companies that try to boost their brand by means of a corporate social responsibility scheme, but only Allah knows who is doing what and we should leave it up to Him.

Allah says in The Man, sura 76 of the Quran: “They had dispensed food, though held dear, to the poor, the orphan and the prisoner, saying: ‘We are feeding you only for the sake of God. From you we seek neither reward nor thanks’.” A special group of ladies whom I know are serving the poor while holding this verse close to their hearts. It is these ordinary people, striving for Allah’s reward in the next life, who are my heroes.

In my corner of Sharjah – and I am sure in many other places in UAE – there is an invisible army of individuals who work around the clock to find ways to help those in need. Their only goal is to face Allah with arms full of good deeds and the prayers of those who benefited from their help. Every day, I get messages saying, “I have this item or that, who needs it?” Or, “I am looking for a fridge, some clothes, medicine and someone to chat with this person. Can you recommend this or that?”

These are forms of sadaqa or charity that when asked for, are not turned away. Often within hours or even minutes, it’s mission accomplished. The ill have received their medicine, the hungry have their food, the destitute are provided with the things they need.

My sister in Islam, Isabel Millán-Rumayor, a convert from Spain recently sent this message: “I pray that Allah allows me to help others every day of my life. It’s my dream to create a website that can help people help each other”.

Then there is Zaynab, who came to UAE as a Buddhist and is now someone who calls people to Islam. Working as a cook and part-time masseuse, she lived in a single room, in the most humble of conditions, but her heart was bigger than the Atlantis Hotel. She converted to Islam and began converting others, spending time with them to teach them how to pray and perform other Islamic obligations. A few months ago, she opened a new Muslim centre near Bangkok. “Life is short, so if we have energy and a little money, it is best to use it in exchange for Allah’s paradise,” she once told me.

Imagine what these women could do with long term sponsorship. Their work would have longer lasting effects than any short-term social responsibility campaign. I would encourage companies who want to give back, to offer grants to those who want to help those in need. This way they can spread the goodness and purify their earnings. Then, instead of giving for just a few weeks, they can help provide lasting relief for those who need it.

Inshallah, from this Ramadan onwards, every chance we get, we should remember those like Isabel and Zaynab, who despite not being rich or having the spotlight on them, are easing the hearts of many. I hope that on the day of reckoning, I can stand among them even though I have much catching up to do.

Maryam Ismail is a sociologist and teacher who divides her time between the US and the UAE