Hawzah News Agency-Local Muslims rallied Saturday to help the hungry across Metro Halifax in the Share the Spirit of Ramadan food drive.
Volunteers raised $10,000 in donations for local charities and the results were on display at Feed Nova Scotia’s Bedford Highway HQ, where a team of roughly 50 volunteers packed food into row upon row of hampers.
“This event means a lot to me because we’re bringing all of HRM together, whether you’re Muslim or non-Muslim and what’s so beautiful is that during Ramadan, you’re encouraged to help those that need it most,” said organizer Asraa El-Darahali. “I love this event because it shows that right here in Halifax.”
The cans of soup and pasta packets being loaded into hampers come not a moment too soon for Nova Scotians unable to afford food. Feed Nova Scotia warns that it is critically low on food and has appealed for canned food including meat, stews, soup, and vegetables, as well as cereal, pasta, and sauces.
One of those people who heard the call was volunteer Halah Shahin, who helped organize food hampers for charities.
“It’s always nice to give back,” said Shahin. “It’s part of my faith but it’s also part of being a good human to people who need help.”
Halifax Muslims launched their food drive during the month of Ramadan, which ran from June 6 to July 5 this year.
Muslims fast during daylight hours over Ramadan in an effort to bring themselves closer to God and as a reminder to help the less fortunate. More than one billion Muslims worldwide observe the month of fasting or ‘Sawm’ as one of the five pillars of Islam.
Share the Spirit of Ramadan falls under Zakat. Traditionally, Muslims are expected to contribute 2.5 per cent of their wealth and earnings towards Zakat.
"During the month of Ramadan you're fasting and this year we fasted for the longest period of time. It's 18.5 hours so we really felt what hunger felt like and we really felt what those who go without a meal feel," said El-Darahali.
Ummah Mosque executive chair, Ashraf Al Zaman, said people were eager to volunteer.
"We are sharing some of the Ramadan spirit with the greater community," said Zaman.
