Hyderabad's Affluent Muslims Extend Charity During Ramzan
Ramzan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a sacred time for Muslims worldwide. It is a period of fasting, prayer, and charity. Muslims refrain from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset while also engaging in acts of kindness and generosity. In Hyderabad, wealthy Muslims are making special efforts to help the less fortunate, ensuring that the blessings of Ramzan reach those in need.
Charity is an important part of Ramzan, especially through Zakat, a mandatory donation of 2.5% of one’s annual savings. Many Muslims choose to give their Zakat during this holy month, as good deeds are believed to be rewarded seventy times more. Donations come in different forms, including direct financial aid, food distribution, and contributions to mosques, orphanages, and NGOs. With Ramzan beginning on March 2, Hyderabad’s well-off individuals and organizations are coming together to support the underprivileged by providing ration kits, essential supplies, and Eid clothing.
A typical Ramzan ration kit includes basic food items such as rice, flour, oil, ghee, sugar, tea, sewaiyan, dates, lentils, and spices. These essentials help families prepare their pre-dawn (Sehri) and evening (Iftar) meals. Volunteers carefully identify deserving families to ensure that the aid reaches those who truly need it. Some philanthropists focus on widows, senior citizens, and differently abled individuals, while others distribute free Eid clothing to bring festive joy to struggling families.
Several organizations in Hyderabad play a key role in these charitable efforts. Groups like Sahayta Trust, Siasat Millat Fund, Helping Hand Foundation, Safa Baitul Maal, and Hyderabad Zakat and Charitable Trust provide free food, ration kits, and medical aid. These organizations collectively distribute over 2,000 ration kits and serve countless meals throughout the month.
One such initiative, Sakina Foundation, has been distributing ration kits for more than 15 years. Led by Asif Hussain Sohail, the foundation has helped over 20,000 families during Ramzan. Additionally, free Iftar food packets are distributed at mosques like Mecca Masjid and Shahi Masjid, benefiting fasting individuals and daily wage workers who cannot afford a proper meal.
Another important aspect of Ramzan is Itekaaf, where devout Muslims spend the last ten days of the month in continuous worship inside mosques. During this time, they remain isolated from their families and focus entirely on prayer. To support them, volunteers and organizations provide free meals for Sehri and Iftar, ensuring that they can concentrate on their spiritual devotion without worrying about food.
Ramzan is a time of faith, reflection, and compassion. The generosity of Hyderabad’s affluent Muslims highlights the true spirit of the holy month—sharing blessings with those who need them most. These charitable efforts not only provide immediate relief but also reinforce the core Islamic values of empathy, unity, and kindness.
