My oh my, how time has flown by. It is Ramadhan again and Muslims around the world are united in the observation of fasting...well, at least the Muslims who practice. Indeed many pride themselves as practicing Muslim, but a chat with unique crowds at different occasion give light to what truly means to be Muslim.
My boys accompanied my husband to a break fast with the orphans in a Seremban based orphanage. They had been visiting the children to celebrate Ramadhan and build close silaturrahim amongst Muslims. Additionally, we thought that it would be good for the boys to understand how others fair and struggle; while our children who live in the comfort of a home, parents and a loving/supportive environment fall trap to complacency and even arrogance. It is human nature to forget who we are, so, whenever possible it is always good to be reminded.
Pictures were soon uploaded to the famous FB by other guests of the home and I had a quick browse. I was impressed at how beautiful the home has become. It is better furnished, well lit and a far cry from the dingy house it was just 2 years ago. I asked my husband who is sponsoring the orphanage and was touched to learn that the children are their own sponsor. Through education, a supportive and industrious administration, the children are equipped with not just the academics for paper qualification but life education that often than not demand skills. They cook, sew, craft and many other things that keeps them busy, educated and most importantly self-sustaining. They aren't beggars in their own home -- GOOD FOR THEM.
We had asked if we should bring with us supply of food, furniture, clothing or other needs but was politely declined as they were merely inviting guests to share a Ramadhan blessing in their home. How big are the hearts of such children who are more in the position to ask for assistance but instead give.
Much can be learned from this experience.
Hence my constant irritation when so called Samaritans clad in branded clothing, ridiculously priced handbags; driving luxurious cars and living in high-end postcodes hand me papers and documents for donations. Indeed giving alms is the practice of our beloved Prophet p.b.u.h and is looked upon favorably as an ibadah, but surely monetary assistance is temporary and futile if the receiver merely spends it and asks for more. How is this helping our Muslim brethren? Even our choice of ibadah must be weighed out with the given intellect we are all blessed with.
Education is the root of all solutions related to poverty. People are in a sad and destitute situation because they are either unaware of their options or have no idea how to attain a better life. To elevate an individual from his poverty stricken situation is to help him grow. That is why Prophet Muhammad p.b.u.h. said seek knowledge as far as China. Finances, in my opinion then, should be channeled to educate the poor because when an adult is educated, he or she can then in turn reeducate the young and the remaining society they function in. Through education, an entire village can be taught agriculture, craft industry and even medicine if only we dare to dream big. This is not rocket science and it has been done. Then, only then do I believe that Muslims truly have each others' best interest in our hearts. In contrast to the wealthy Samaritans feeling good about themselves by asking others to donate and making them look even better. Such false ibadah.
In all our actions, the niat or intention must be for the betterment of our ummah. What is the point of having a holy fascade only to feel good about ourselves? Ibadah is not about us...it is about our Creator and the reason we are His khalifah. Handing out false hope to the poor or the needy is simply cruel...the money is NOT what they need, because it WILL finish and they WILL STILL remain poor. What they need is our intellectual assistance because we are privy to a life that is more blessed. Giving back should not be worldly because it is temporary...giving back should be both spiritual and beneficial to the receiver, because when people understand their purpose, that form of giving is everlasting.
This Ramadhan I was educated by the less priviliged, children who were orphaned and almost all left to fend for themselves in the absence of their parent(s). It has indeed been an enlightening Ramadhan and I weep in gratitude for the opportunity. Blessings come in many forms...He is indeed ALL WISE and ALL KNOWING.
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