Islam Is Not All Doom And Gloom.

Note: In the spirit of Ramadan this site offers a nice story from Arabia...




Volunteers Hand Out Iftar at Traffic Lights
Samir Al-Saadi, Arab News

JEDDAH, 2 October 2006 — Some Jeddah residents stand next to traffic lights at sunset to distribute Iftar to motorists who have not managed to reach home in time.

Instead of putting your foot on the pedal, consider stopping at a traffic light to get your free breakfast. In general, the plastic bags given out contain three dates, water, a dairy product (laban) and a pastry product.

The people handing out the Iftar are not a part of any charity organizations but individuals looking for extra “thawab” (reward from Allah).

“Everybody is looking to go the extra mile for additional thawab in Ramadan. Iftar Sayeem (providing breakfast to those who fast) has great rewards in this holy month,” said a long-time city resident.

In Islam the more your charity work is secret, the greater your reward from Allah. That is why Muslims prefer not to publicize their good deeds. For that very reason, the volunteers did not give us their full names.

Abdullah, one such volunteer spotted at one intersection, said, “I enjoy it because it is Ramadan and there is a great pleasure in giving at this time of year.”

He added, “I do it purely to get a reward from Allah, may Allah accept our deeds.”

Abdullah explained that he does not belong to any charity organization but family members chip in and that he and his family do the distributing in turn.

Mohammed said, “This is a project my fellow students in Qur’anic memorization circles and I have prepared as a pre-Iftar highly rewarding religious activity. There are more positives to this that might help during the chaotic Iftar hour.”

Arab News observed that most cars slowed down as they come to a complete stop in order to pick up their Iftar. “There is another positive side to it,” Abdullah said. “When people pick up Iftar bags from us, they slow down and drive more safely.”

If, by some chance, you are delayed until Iftar and the sunset prayer call sounds, stop at the nearest traffic light.





Comment: Regular readers of this site should keep in mind that the actual practise of Islam by many actual and real muslims can be very kind and thoughtful. This small story is just to remind all people that the bin Ladens and the Zawahiris of Islam are not the totality of Islam or its adherents.

Keep this in mind.