Muslims fast during Ramadhan as one of the five pillars of Islam, abstaining from eating and drinking from dawn until sunset. During this sacred month, Muslims strive to perform good deeds that draw them closer to God, aiming to merit Paradise.
In Omani society, selling charitable dishes before or during Ramadhan is a widespread practice. This event serves as an opportunity to support needy and impoverished families, extending the joy of Ramadhan to all.
While all members of society participate, women play a crucial role in its success. Saleh Al-Sakhbouri, Head of the media committee of the Rustaq Charitable Team and the Zakat Committee in Rustaq, emphasized, “The women’s role in this event is pivotal. They prepare delicious dishes, send them to the event area, where the organizing team prices and oversees their sale, and collects the proceeds for those in need.”
The team announce the date and location of the event well before its start to ensure that people are prepared to participate.
Al-Sakhbouri shared, “When the event begins, people of all ages donate and purchase dishes, with some families sending multiple batches for sale on the same day.” He recalled an exceptionally lucrative day, stating, “One year, on a scorching Ramadhan day, our tented setup in an open area yielded over 7 thousand Omani riyals.”
This event isn’t exclusive to Ramadhan; Omani society’s ethos prioritizes benevolence and solidarity with the less fortunate year-round.
Al-Sakhbouri elaborated, “The event occurs at various times, including Ramadhan, Hajj days, and throughout the year, with diverse objectives. Proceeds may fund mosque construction, aid orphans, or distribute food baskets to the impoverished.”
The Rustaq Charitable Team and the Zakat Committee operate tirelessly to ensure the event’s success and the equitable distribution of aid in Rustaq. Al-Sakhbouri explained, “We maintain a database of eligible families, integrating the event’s proceeds with other aid received to execute our assistance programs systematically.”
During Ramadhan, food baskets containing essentials like rice, flour, milk, oil, and meat are distributed to qualifying groups, such as low-income individuals, the unemployed, divorced women, and widows.
Helping the poor is considered one of the greatest acts of worship in Islam, and the life of the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him, the Massenger of God and the role model for Muslims is full of situations from which a Muslim learns the importance of providing assistance to others.
The Prophet said that, “The most beloved people to God Almighty are the ones who are most beneficial to people, and the most beloved of deeds to God Almighty is the joy that you brings to a Muslim, or relieves distress from him, or pays off a debt for him, or drives away hunger from him.”
Selling charitable dishes is a wonderful event that brings the community together to help others and enhance the spirit of cooperation and giving in the holy month of Ramadhan, but it is not the only form of solidarity among community members in Ramadhan.
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