Programmes to instil spirit of generosity

Free meals to end the Ramadan fast, new clothes and alms as well as distributing copies of the Holy Quran are some of the programmes to be undertaken by the Dubai government-run charity Dar Al Ber Society for its Ramadan campaign.

Khalfan Khalifa Al Mazrouie, chairman of the society, said the campaign, themed ‘Make a difference this Ramadan’ will also include Dawa or preaching programmes.

Abdullah Ali bin Zayed, executive director of the society, said this Ramadan campaign will sponsor mass Iftar meals in the UAE and 34 other countries in collaboration with 56 accredited associations and UAE embassies.

The seasonal campaign will also see lectures on the virtues of Ramadan, giving zakat to the poor and needy, and the distribution of thousands of copies of the Holy Quran as well as other books and CDs on fasting and the holy month.

Bin Zayed said a number of charity programmes will be aired on the weekly live radio programme ‘Heaven’s Gates’, a milestone in the history of the society with over 420 episodes so far.

The seven-year-old interactive programme, broadcast every Friday and during the holy month of Ramadan on a daily basis, has helped hundreds of people, printed thousands of copies of the Holy Quran and other books, and run Haj and Umrah tours for people with low incomes as well as new Muslims.

An earlier drive to promote the seasonal projects of the society urged the people to give to make the poor happy and ease their sufferings. 
The charity has distributed Dh66 million among the poor in the UAE.

Bin Zayed said a Dh15 donation would sponsor an Iftar meal, and Dh20 and Dh40 respectively Al Fitr and feast clothing. One can pay Dh350 and sponsor a poor family in a foreign country or Dh600 to sponsor a disabled person.

Bin Zayed added that there is no limit on donations to sponsor poor students and Quran teachers.

The donation accepted for printing the Holy Quran is Dh6 for a pocket-sized edition, Dh15 for a medium one, Dh25 for a big one and Dh150 for an oversized copy assigned for Tahajud or late night prayers.

Contributions are also accepted for scientific and introductory publications on Islam which are specially translated for new Muslims.

ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE