Here are 10 ways you can give back during the last 10 days of Ramadan

With Ramadan coming to an end, a wonderful way to spend the last 10 days is to give back. Zakat – which translates to giving back or charity, is an essential pillar of Islam, but anyone can participate in the act of service to feel one with the community.

1. Volunteer 

In the UAE, there are several charitable organisations that currently accept volunteers, including the UAE Red Crescent, Dubai Cares and Pink Caravan, among others.

You can also volunteer to help animals at organisations such as the UAE Dolphin Project, K9 friends and Feline Friends Dubai.

2. Philanthropy

Many local charities are currently seeking monetary donations to support their projects. One Ramadan-specific initiative you can donate to is the 100 million meals campaign announced recently by the UAE’s Vice President and Prime Minister and Dubai’s Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. More details can be found here: https://www.100millionmeals.ae/

3. Cleanup drives 

Gather a group of friends, visit your local beach or park and pick up any rubbish or miscellaneous items you find strewn in the area. Ensure that you maintain Covid social-distancing guidelines and have your masks on at all times. The Dubai Municipality also organise Friday beach clean-ups in Sharjah from 9am onwards.

4. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

If your household does not currently recycle or compost, you may want to consider it. Helping the environment is an essential service that has many long-term benefits. Begin by separating your garbage into paper, plastic and aluminum and taking it to a recycling bin. Also set up a bin in your home to throw food waste that can be used as compost.

5. Donate to a local iftar drive 

This year, due to strict Covid-19 guidelines, you may be unable to distribute meals at your local mosque or community centre. However, you can contribute to organisations such as Tarahum Charity Foundation and Beit Al Khair Society who have set up programmes to distribute iftar meals.

6. Organise a clothing donation drive

Many of us tend to hoard clothes in our closets. Organise a donation drive within your community to collect unused clothes, which can be passed on to NGOs such as Dubai Cares, Maria Christina Foundation and UAE Red Crescent.

7. Donate blood

Donating blood is a quick and easy way to give back to your community. The UAE’s Ministry of Health makes it very easy to donate your blood as long as you meet the requirements. More information on the process – including the hospitals that accept blood donations – can be found here: https://www.mohap.gov.ae/en/AwarenessCenter/Pages/Blood-Donation.aspx

8. Support local businesses

The Covid-19 crisis has hit local businesses quite hard. You can play your role in supporting them by going local – whether that’s by buying from UAE-owned brands or eating at your neighbourhood restaurant.

9. Random act of kindness

Perhaps it is sending a friend a care package or helping a neighbour maintain their garden. You can perform various acts of kindness on a day-to-day basis that will serve your community members.

10. Plant a tree or adopt an endangered animal

While planting a tree in the UAE may not be an option, you can donate to global organisations such as ‘One Tree Planted’ who plant a tree on your behalf. Optionally, you can also adopt an endangered animal and support it monthly via the World Wide Fund for Nature. This Ramadan, you can help save a species of animal in need of your help.