3 simple ways to assist your community during this difficult time
By Ameer Abdulrahman
“And as for those who strive in Our path — We will surely guide them in Our ways. And Indeed, Allah is with those who are of service to others. (Al Quran 29:70)”
This pandemic has led us to an unprecedented Ramadan experience, one with empty prayer halls and without family gatherings but regardless of physical distancing, it’s important for us to continue connecting with our communities and families and being of service to one another however possible.
There is no better time than now to reach out and ask where you can be of assistance, whether it’s through an organization you work with or on a personal level. Not only is helping each other one of the core values of Islam and teaching of the Quran, but after all, we all struggling through this pandemic together. Here are a few simple suggestion on how you could be help other during this time:
Check on your family and neighbors
Physical distancing may cause many people to feel isolated and lonely, call or text your loved ones and neighbors, it’s always nice to hear a familiar voice during this time! Checkout the Institute for Muslim Mental Health for more resources!
2. Make a donation.
Year round, thousands of nonprofits are doing everything in their power to support our communities. This is a great opportunity to donate to a just cause and help these non-profits provide resources to those in need. Sign-up here to join Launch Good’s Ramadan Challenge to automatically donate a payment of your choice everyday of Ramadan!
3. Volunteer your time
Donations don't always need to be tangible items or monetary, your time is possibly the most valuable thing you can donate. Sign-up here to volunteer with MPower Change to phone bank and call your fellow muslims to check in on Ramadan and about the 2020 Census. You could also volunteer to grocery shop for your elderly family and neighbors who may be quarantined or at higher risk of the virus.
Regardless of what assistance we each provide, it’s most important that we come together as a community to do everything in our power to minimize the struggle we each face. Physically distancing or not, it’s important that we continue our habit of helping each other when in need. Ramadan Kareem!