Muslims Donating to the Less Fortunate

October 3, 2006

Author: Bronislaus B. Kush

Source: Telegram and Gazette

http://www.telegram.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061003/NEWS/610030617/1008/NEWS02

During Ramadan, the ninth month on the Islamic calendar, practicing Muslims worldwide fast, pray, and take part in acts of charity to better themselves.

However, they’re not the only ones who benefit from the observance. Locally, a number of needy people, many of them not Muslims, will reap rewards from the sacrifices made by followers of the prophet Muhammad.

For example, about $35,000 was raised on Sept. 23, the start of Ramadan, at an event at the Worcester Islamic Center. The money will be given to the Muslim Community Support Service.

That money will be used to help people from all around New England who desperately need financial assistance.

“The Quran tells us that we must reach out to the poor,” said Tahir Ali, a spokesman for the Worcester Islamic Society. “Charity is an important part of Ramadan.”

Rasha Boura, a member of the center’s Social Service Committee and secretary at the MCSS, said the money raised will be used to help people pay debts such as utility bills or funeral arrangements for a family member. The service also provides doctors who offer free medical consultations to the poor.