By Dada Ahmed.
(C) Google.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is often seen primarily as a time of fasting, increased prayer, and spiritual reflection. However, beyond its religious significance, it is also a period for fostering social welfare, uplifting the less privileged, and strengthening communal bonds. It is a month that calls for care and share, an opportunity for individuals, organizations, and governments to better the lot of the common man in society.
According to Islamic scholars,one of the most striking features of Ramadan is the emphasis on feeding the poor. Fasting from dawn to dusk allows the wealthy to experience hunger, thereby fostering empathy for those who struggle to find daily meals. This realization inspires generosity, with many people organizing iftar (breakfast) programmes to feed the needy. Mosques, charity organizations, and well-meaning individuals distribute food, ensuring that even the most underprivileged have something to eat.
Beyond food, Ramadan is also a time when medical outreach programmes gain momentum. Many organizations are known to have offered free health screenings, medications, and consultations to those who cannot afford medical care. Some hospitals and clinics provide subsidized services, recognizing that good health is a necessity, not a luxury. The spirit of compassion during Ramadan translates into efforts to alleviate the suffering of the sick and vulnerable.
Education also benefits during Ramadan, as many scholars and organizations use the period to provide free knowledge to young people and adults. Public lectures, mentorship programmes, and vocational training initiatives are launched to equip individuals with skills that will empower them beyond the holy month. In a society where many lack access to quality education, such initiatives help bridge the gap.
Economic empowerment is another crucial aspect of Ramadan’s care and sharing spirit. Wealthy individuals and businesses often engage in zakat (obligatory almsgiving) and sadaqah (voluntary charity) by supporting small-scale traders, artisans, and unemployed youth. Some donate capital to help people start businesses, while others pay off debts for those struggling financially. These acts of kindness contribute to long-term poverty alleviation.
In addition to charity, Ramadan promotes social harmony and conflict resolution. The month encourages forgiveness and reconciliation, urging people to settle disputes and strengthen relationships. Community leaders and religious figures use the opportunity to mediate conflicts, fostering peace among individuals and groups. This culture of tolerance and unity extends beyond the fasting period, creating a more harmonious society.
Homelessness is another issue that Ramadan addresses through acts of kindness. Many Muslim philanthropists and organizations provide temporary shelters and distribute clothing to those living on the streets. Some are even seen to have gone further by initiating long-term housing projects for the less privileged, recognizing that shelter is a fundamental human right. The spirit of Ramadan reminds people that no one should be left in the cold.
Government and corporate institutions also play a role in improving the lives of the common man during Ramadan. Some state governments give bags of rice among other assistance to the people while private companies donate foodstuffs and relief materials to vulnerable communities. Such interventions lessen the economic burden on struggling families, reinforcing the social responsibility that businesses and governments should uphold year-round.
The month also encourages emotional and psychological support. Many individuals battle loneliness, depression, and anxiety, and Ramadan serves as a time for companionship and emotional healing. Volunteers visit prisons, orphanages, and elderly homes to spend time with those who feel abandoned. This simple act of care reminds people that they are not alone and that humanity thrives on love and solidarity.
The thrust of this piece is that as Ramadan draws to a close, the spirit of care and share should not end with it. The kindness, generosity, and sense of responsibility cultivated during the holy month should extend throughout the year. If society embraces these values beyond Ramadan, we can create a world where the common man does not have to wait for a particular season to experience kindness, but rather lives in an environment of continuous care and shared prosperity.
Ahmed is a member of the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria,MMPN, Kogi State branch, 2019 NAHCON media team to Makka and Medina, publishes The Reporters.
