It's already day 5 of Ramadan (how time flies!). As we all know, Ramadan is a time of ibadah, reflection and forgiveness but more than that, Ramadan is also a month for us to spread kindness and do more good for society.
Credit: Giphy
Just this past week, we've seen kind gestures from around the world to help ease Muslims as they enter the holy month. Here are some of them:
1. Free meals for the underprivileged, Singapore
Serving one-off free meals or hampers with foodstuff to the needy might be common but one organisation has decided to take that up a notch. Singapore charity Free Food For All (FFFA) has created halal and ready-to-eat meals and is sending them to over 800 households, both Muslims and non-Muslims.
Credit: Free Food For All on Facebook
These meals come in pouches which can last for up to a year, and they are made with fresh and healthy ingredients, without any preservatives. There are interesting flavours on the menu too - from Buttermilk Prawns to Seafood Fried Rice, Bubur Pulut Hitam and more. What's more, they can be microwaved, heated on a stove or eaten straight out of the packet.
But there's a story behind this - every year for the past 5 years, FFFA has been distributing cooked meals and groceries to beneficiaries but they realised that it didn't do much for those who didn't have the ability to cook. So, this is a better way to help them break fast.
#HHWT Tip: You can contribute to their cause by funding the meals. They are priced at $3.50 per meal. Head over to their website to contribute ?
[P.S. Wondering what else you can do to spread the love during Ramadan? We've got 10 ways you can make a difference in Singapore and Malaysia.]
2. Non-muslims share food with Muslims, Malaysia
In this heartwarming story, a Malaysian Muslim, Nasx Seth posted on his Facebook that 2 non-Muslims provided food for Muslims on a ferry he was on which was heading from Langkawi to Kuala Kedah. According to the Facebook post, the initial ferry that they were on malfunctioned and they had to turn back and board another ferry with no food to break fast with.
Credit: Nasx Seth on Facebook
But thanks to the kindness of 2 non-Muslims, he managed to break his fast. This kind Chinese lady (pictured above) gave away all her chocolates to the Muslims on the ferry and said that they needed to eat to break fast.
Credit: Nasx Seth on Facebook
Another man offered his KFC meal to Nasx, saying that he should eat it and if he didn't want to, he should give it to others who were fasting. These kind gestures are such an inspiration and they remind us that there are no boundaries when it comes to helping others, and more so in this blessed month ❤️
[P.S. The holy month of Ramadan has so many blessings for us, Muslims! Read more about those blessings in our article here.]
3. Restaurant provides free meals in Leeds, UK
A restaurant in Leeds, UK called Mumtaz is inviting everyone to their restaurant for complimentary food and drinks for the whole month of Ramadan.
Credit: @mumtazleeds on Instagram
The best part is - this offer is open to anyone, regardless of race or religion ? According to Mumtaz on their Instagram post, this simple gesture is to celebrate this holy month and it's also a source of reward for them.
Kudos to Mumtaz for opening up their restaurant to everyone and we pray that they will be rewarded for their kindness ❤️
4. Free Iced Tea, Singapore
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Singapore is also doing their part to help Muslims this Ramadan.
Credit: @coffeebeansg on Instagram
From iftar to 8pm every day, you can queue up at most Coffee Bean outlets and enjoy a complimentary small-sized Iced Tea. The offer is open to everyone - both Muslims and non-Muslims - but do note that it's only limited to one redemption per customer.
The free drink will be available till 16 May at all stores except these outlets: Orchard Central, Esplanade, Ngee Ann Poly, Nanyang Technological University, Millenia Walk, Singapore EXPO, Changi Airport, Sentosa and Marina Bay Sands.
[P.S. Strapped for time but need a quick meal for iftar? We've got 10 eateries in Singapore that'll deliver scrumptious iftar meals to you!]
5. Free dates and Milo, Singapore
Joining Coffee Bean is a Singapore supermarket, NTUC Fairprice. Most of us know Fairprice as a place to get our daily groceries but if you're rushing to get all your shopping done and can't make it in time for iftar, don't worry!
Fairprice has prepared some complimentary dates and Milo bottles at the front of their stores so that Muslim shoppers can take them for iftar and energise themselves.
Mikhail and Suzana were at Fairprice to do some grocery shopping and they got their Milo fix too ☺️ We really applaud and thank Fairprice for this simple gesture!
BONUS: Free iftar at mosques
One of the places where we can always seek refuge in during Ramadan is the mosque. No matter where you are in the world, if you're at a mosque for iftar, you'll most likely be treated to a meal.
Credit: Masjid Sultan Singapore on Facebook
In Singapore for example, mosques provide shared meals where you'll be able to break fast with hundreds of other Muslims. Apart from that, there are also simple drinks and porridge distributions. Not only do these kind gestures enable us to soak in the Ramadan spirit, but it also reminds us of the importance of sharing and selflessness during Ramadan ❤️
We hope these stories have inspired you in some way and give you the strength to pull through your day of fasting. If you know any heartwarming stories this Ramadan and would like to share them with us, do leave a comment below ?