Detroit Muslims distribute 50 tons of food to the needy during Ramadan month

AhlulBayt News Agency - For Shaykh Mohamed Almasmari, the month of Ramadan is not only about his personal spiritual life, but also about helping others.

"One of the greatest objectives of the month of Ramadan is understanding what others are going through, those who are less fortunate," said Almasmari, the religious leader of the Unity Center mosque in Bloomfield Hills. "By not eating during the day, we understand their struggle."

Observant Muslims fast from food and water from sunrise to sunset during the month of Ramadan, which starts tonight at sundown for many Muslims. In keeping with the season's theme of sacrifice and remembering the poor, the Michigan Muslim Community Council has created a program called the Ramadan Fight Against Hunger, which will collect and distribute more than 50 tons of food to the hungry across southeastern Michigan over the 30 days of Ramadan.

Mosques and Muslim groups in metro Detroit are helping with the effort, which is in its fifth year and feeds people of all backgrounds and faiths.

Muslims believe that during Ramadan, their holy book, the Quran, was first revealed to Islam's prophet, Mohammed. In Islam, helping the poor through donations and fasting during the month of Ramadan are two of the five pillars, or requirements, of Islam. The Ramadan Fight Against Hunger brings the two pillars together.

"Ramadan allows you to give back, to appreciate your blessings," said Almasmari, executive director of the Michigan Muslim Community Council. In Islam, "we say, 'from Him to Him.' You give that which belongs to God by giving to those in need."

At Zaman International Hope for Humanity's center in Inkster, volunteers have been packing food boxes to be distributed to the hungry. Last week, Zaman bought $25,000 worth of food, which was packed by volunteers at its warehouse. Started 20 years ago, the group focuses on marginalized women and their children, including those who are homeless, live in cars or can't afford to buy food. On Sunday, when Ramadan starts, volunteers at Zaman will distribute the food boxes to women in need across metro Detroit.

"I think of Ramadan as Thanksgiving every day," said Najah Bazzy, founder and president of Zaman International. "It's a time to really feel with the human family, to provide equity and equality ... to think beyond yourself, a celebration of family, time to remember and give thanks and to share food."
Other groups involved in the council's effort include the Flint Muslim Food Pantry, which provides free water and food for Flint residents. The council also works with Gleaners Food Bank in Detroit, Forgotten Harvest in Oak Park and Sam's Club Warehouse in Farmington Hills.

The month of Ramadan, which starts 10  days earlier each year, falls this year during some of the longest and warmest days of the year, which makes fasting a challenge but helps people remember those who suffer.

"Hunger is on your mind a lot during the month of Ramadan," said Dr. Muzammil Ahmed, chairman of the Michigan Muslim Community Council. "The Ramadan Fight Against Hunger is a great opportunity for people to not only get the spiritual upliftment they're striving to get, but to make a positive difference for people in the community."

Charity is done throughout the year in Islam, but during Ramadan, the spiritual "rewards are multiplied" for giving, said Almasmari. In addition to the hunger program, many Muslim charities hold fund-raisers during Ramadan. And several mosques, including the Unity Center, will donate leftover food from nightly dinners during Ramadan to the poor.

Almasmari said: "We are calling on all our Michigander Muslims to step up this Ramadan and do their part to help people who are marginalized and neglected.”




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