Once the Prophet (peace be upon him) was asked, "Which manifestation of Islam is the most virtuous?" The Prophet SAW responded, "That you feed people, and that you greet people - those you know and those you know not."
The Idea
As oppose to simply distributing food, to those who have received other blessings from their Creator, we encourage all Sisters and Brothers, to have informal, and open gatherings for people to come together, talk to each other, and eat - hopefully building bonds between diverse people, in the hope of creating sustaining relationships, to provide mutual support, where possible.
Two simple aims:
- to ease the difficulty of others, in a way which is not degrading or shameful for them
- to inject ourselves with some life, by spending time with people - those we know and know not - and fulfilling our obligations of Zakaah, and Sadaqah, in a way which is still humane. (I.e. Not simply calling a hotline and giving your card details. But actually seeing, talking, feeling - experiencing - the concept of 'Sadaqah' and human solidarity, in our local areas.
The Explanation
Asking people to queue in a line, to wait their turn for a food hand-out can be degrading - contrary to the spirit of Sadaqah. In the wisdom of the Islamic tradition, we are encouraged to 'give' in a way which doesn't make a recipient of materials, or currency feel bad, or ashamed in any way.
We're introducing a new initiative - 'Food & Friendships'.
If you have Zakaah to give, why phone a hotline and give your card details, hang up and feel relived? Why not do something immeasurably better?
We're encouraging individuals, to lead in creating and joining 'Food & Friendship' circles across the UK and across the world. It simply involves, spreading the word amongst some sisters and brothers, as well as individuals or groups of people, whom maybe in some difficulty - it could be an open difficulty, such as someone living on the street, or it could be more hidden.
Note: Make sure when you do invite people, it's a warm and friendly, 'Hey, some friends are having a get together, where we'll be sharing food, chit-chatting, maybe doing some fun activities together. It's open, why not come along if you're able to make it.'
On your first meet, encourage people to bring their own food along - different dishes, by different cooks - make sure you have variety, to cater for peoples needs, and keep it relatively natural and healthy. Try come up with some fun games or activities you can do, in your group, to break the ice, and get to know everyone better. Talk, laugh and share food, with the intention, of trying to build a relationship; a friendship with a stranger.
Set a place, day and time, where you'll meet regularly. E.g. Every Friday evening, or the first Sunday of each month. Important thing is, to keep it regular. After the first meet, it becomes real easy. You get to know others much better, and hopefully understand their needs. Then you can help, much more effectively, and importantly, in a personal way that is also sustainable.
Sadaqah, we feel, was meant to be about human solidarity, about mutual support, about extending your hand, or mind, or time to others around you, if you could ever be of assistance. We need to re-create this spirit.
The hope is that, bi-idhnillah, we work to transform ourselves into individuals, and a community, like our beloved Prophet SAW, who at the mere sight, or hearing of a difficulty upon someone, would instantaneously do something. We hope this initiative is a start toward that spirit of 'sadaqah'.
May we also take this opportunity to remind ourselves that these works and acts, are beneficial for us, just as much, or even more so, than they are to those we are seeking to support. All the obligated and encouraged acts, are a means, to purify ourselves, to develop ourselves, to be stronger and by His Grace, to earn His pleasure.
Please stay tuned. We're hoping to launch a website dedicated to this initiative.
If you'd like to donate toward supporting 'Food & Friendship' gatherings, you can through our donations page. Please quote the cause.
If you'd like to receive some support or funding for your 'Food & Friendship' gatherings, we ask you to send us details of the gatherings you've been organising in your local area (so we can inspire others), as well as to send us details of your needs, and those of the new friends you have made. We'll consider making contributions, based on the funds available, and needs, bi-idhnillah. grants@mcfund.org.uk