Dammam, April 08, 2024, During Ramadan, many young men and women in the Kingdom actively participate in volunteer and charitable activities, fostering a sense of social solidarity and positivity within the community.
Engaging in volunteer work during Ramadan offers a valuable opportunity to serve the community and partake in charitable endeavors. One of the common activities involves distributing iftar meals to fasting individuals, as per the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who stated that providing iftar to a fasting person brings a reward similar to the fasting person's reward.
Volunteers work alongside accredited charitable organizations to distribute iftar meals, typically consisting of dates, milk, and water, in public spaces. In the Eastern Region, for instance, the "Abshir Bil-Futoor" initiative, now in its second year, is spearheaded by a voluntary work association under the patronage of Governor Prince Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz. This initiative brings together government, private, and non-profit sector entities to distribute 100,000 meals with the assistance of over 2,000 volunteers.
Members of the volunteer team involved in Abshir Bil-Futoor express pride and satisfaction in their contributions, emphasizing that volunteering aligns with religious teachings and serves the greater good of society. Supervisor Hussein Ali Al-Fatil notes the participation of 250 volunteers in Qatif, distributing 4,000 meals while adhering to strict security and safety measures.
Volunteers like Khalil Al-Madhkar, Nader Al-Sharqi, and Mohammed Abdullah highlight the importance of volunteering as an investment of time in serving others and instilling a sense of charitable work among future generations. Abdullah particularly mentions how participating in initiatives like Abshir Bil-Futoor enriches his family's experience during Ramadan, fostering feelings of satisfaction and happiness while contributing to the community's well-being.
