KUALA
LUMPUR (Bernama)
-- The blessed month of Ramadan, is
something awaited by Muslims to seek reward and merit promised by Allah through
good deeds.
Muslims
not only abstain from food and water from dawn to dusk to fulfill their fasting
obligation but also take the opportunity to reinvigorate family ties and get
closer to the community.
Here in
Malaysia, it is common for young Muslims staying far away from their families
to return to their hometowns or villages to greet Ramadan with their aged
parents and siblings. This is a good example how Ramadan brings families closer
and renews the filial bonds.
Also
the neighbourhood surau and mosques hold numerous religious activities to
enable Muslims not only to renew their faith in Islam but also renew the ties
with their local community. This is another wonderful attribute of Ramadan in
forging unity and greater understanding within the Ummah.
However,
there are Muslims who neither have families nor communities to call their own.
Despite of their unfortunate circumstances, this vulnerable group is not
forgotten and the holy month of Ramadan brings them cheers and a sense of hope.
And one
of the vulnerable group that gets special attention during Ramadan is the
orphans.
ORPHANS
NOT SIDELINED
Though
they may have lost their families, fellow Muslims extend a helping hand to them
during Ramadan. The concern shown by others is very meaningful for these people
who have no one to depend on.
Muslims
not only fulfill their religious obligation by fasting during the holy month,
but also break fast and hand out Ramadan gifts and donations for the
unfortunate lot.
Thus,
it is not surprising to see this orphans feted by the corporate sector,
government departments, political leaders and individuals who can afford during
Ramadan.
The
orphans in this country are never a forgotten lot as numerous agencies,
corporation and individuals are more than eager to assist them even beyond
Ramadan. Altruism is very much alive in Malaysia, only that it is felt more during
Ramadan when the rewards and merits in return are many.
CREATIVITY
AND UNIQUNESS
In
getting to the hearts of the orphans, Ramadan provides numerous ways to bring
joy into their hearts. And thus Ramadan is the time for them to forget their
sorrows and solitude, and realise that there are many people outside there who
still care for them.
About a
decade ago, the charitable deeds during Ramadan were more towards handing out
cash or kind, but the organisers or sponsors have diversified their approach with
the changing times.
Thus,
among others, these orphans are invited to break fast at hotels, restaurants or
anywhere outside their homes or orphanages and given VIP treatment.
Apart
from sumptuous food they are also given the Hari Raya 'angpow', hamper and the
opportunity to take part in programmes lined up specially for them.
Among
others, they are exposed to traditional music instruments and even in weaving
the outer layer of ketupat.
Some
even employ the clowns to entertain orphaned children while waiting to break
fast. After fasting throughout the day, the funny looks and the antics of the
clown provide some respite in their hearts.
Apart
from food and entertainment, some extend charity in unique ways for practical
reasons. A good example is that when barbers were brought to Asrama Pertubuhan
Anak-anak Yatim Persatuan Bekas Perajurit Malaysia for a haircut so that they
would look great on the 1st of Syawal.
THE
VALUE OF A PAIR OF SHOES AND CLOTHING
As
Ramadan is also about preparing for the 1st of Syawal, where Hari Raya is
celebrated after fasting for a month, one of the highlights of the celebration
is starting the day with new clothing.
And the
orphans need not worry about getting one as there is always someone to buy for
them.
Apart
from the apparel, the girls get the tudung (headscarf) and telekung (white
praying veil) while the boys get the songkok (Malay velvet cap) and sampin (a
skirt-type adornment commonly worn with the Baju Melayu).
And
they need not worry of the shoes as many are ready to sponsor them. The
Association of Wives and Women Members (Benita) of the Malaysian National News
Agency Malaysia (Bernama) has been handing out shoes for the orphans every
year.
It is
not surprising to see orphans taken for shopping for their Hari Raya apparel.
And shopping too is an entertaining experience for them.
Under
the Ramadan Charity Programme, organised by the 4x4 Adventure Club, in 2013,
instead of taking the orphans from Pusat Jagaan Siraman Kasih in Rawang,
Selangor, in buses or cars they were ferried on four wheel drives.
Though
the atmosphere may not be the same like getting ready for Hari Raya with mum
and dad, Ramadan will remind the orphans that there are always others who care
for them.
ARTISTES
AND CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
Meanwhile,
celebrities and charitable activities are synonymous during Ramadan. They are
often invited to enliven 'buka puasa' functions or they volunteer to deliver
the pre-dawn meals to the orphanages.
Apart
from mingling with the orphans, they also entertain them with their songs or
acts, bringing joy to the hearts of the orphans.
Because
of the sense of hope that Ramadan brings with it, this group always look
forward for the holy month, said Sharifah Adlan, the founder and the head of
the Rumah Titian Kaseh (RTK).
With
130 occupants made up of orphans, the elderly and the disabled, Sharifah noted
that there was no end to breaking fast invitations throughout Ramadan.
"The
invitation comes from the government departments and private firms. If they are
individuals, they deliver food or fruits to the home.
"And
there are also religious itineraries like 'tazkirah' before breaking of fast
and the solat terawih (extra prayers performed by Muslims at night in the
Islamic month of Ramadan)", said to Bernama.
Do
these orphans get raya angpow. Certainly yes, the money is credited into their
savings and this is to inculcate the savings habit from young.
The
blessed month of Ramadan brings many blessings for the unfortunate people and
reminds the fortunate ones of their duties as Muslims over their less fortunate
brethern.
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