By: Shazia Yousuf
Hunger – How many of us actually know what it means? I am sure none. Even when we fast, we are sure that at dusk, there will be good food, enough to feed us and eradicate this temporary starvation. But can you imagine for a while, that you are fasting but you are not sure when you will get to break this fast? This is the case with millions of people out there. Some are dying and some being killed by their loved ones out of hunger, poverty and hopelessness.How many of us even think about such destitute? Ok yes we do remember the poor and the needy during ramzan (the Muslim month of fasting) when we are obliged to “purify” our savings by taking out zakat (the poor due). Also when in trouble, or faced with mental agony, sadqa and khairat (charity) is what we resort to in order that we may get peace of mind. Even during Eid-ul-Azha, the “ghareeb ka hissa” (the portion for the poor) is taken out with great accuracy, since this is the time when the “ghareeb” (poor) also gets a chance to taste the flavour of meat – a once in a year treat! But in my opinion, all this is not enough!
We must bring about a revolution within us, we must change the way we think on a daily basis. Change must happen in our daily routine. If every day we do not go to sleep unless we feed one poor person, we can make a huge difference!
“Do not wait for leaders. Do it alone, person to person.” (Mother Teresa)
Are you ready for this change? Eradication of hunger is just a meal away…The choice is in your hands!
So true. And there are such cruel people out there, who treat their servants/workers etc like crap. Khud biryani khayeinge aur agar koi ghareeb dikhay ga tou usko kal ki purani baasi roti deinge aur samjhein ge k bohat bara kamal kar dia. How can we bring change when such filthy minded people exist within our society?
ReplyDeleteYes Tasmiyah..."we" need to be the change. What we can do is, spread this message by setting an example and motivating those around us!
ReplyDeleteIf you cant feed 100 people, feed 1! -Mother Theresa! Besides (even if it is not "in" these days to talk abt leaders in Islam: Umar al Khattab always used be in this unrest, to go to sleep while someone may be suffering from hunger in his caliphate! No this is not Utopia (for those secular minded, who may think of it), this is the sense of responsibility. Just watched a disheartening report on Afghanistan of the poorest of the poor farmer sin the hilly area, who were harvesting land which used to be theirs, but they had to sell it for USD 40 for need of money!! Devastating!
ReplyDeleteEvery small step towards this can definitely make a huge difference. Our leaders were a great example...if only our present day leaders followed their footsteps! But again, we need not wait for the leaders, we have to be the change we want to see!
Deletetotally second you, we've gotta be the change!
ReplyDeleteThank you Asma for your appreciation. You are also doing a good job :)
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