Laila Ali

Oxfam, one of the largest international organizations for global poverty reduction, has published a report warning that more than half a billion people may fall into poverty due to the Corona pandemic. The International Labor Organization also recently estimated that about 200 million full-time workers may lose their jobs.

Ramadan this year may be more important than ever, because it is likely to alleviate the painful effects of the epidemic, as the spirit of help increasing during the holy month can save many families under these unprecedented global economic pressures.

Among the basic things that Muslims do during the month of Ramadan are charitable work and helping the needy and those with little income, by paying zakat, alms, and donations that reach their climax during the month.

According to the Muslim Charities Forum (MCF), Muslims donate at least £ 130 million to charity during Ramadan. Funding is expected this year through online donation sites.

 Muslims donate at least 130 million pounds for charity during the month of Ramadan (Getty Images)

Ramadan and Corona
 under quarantine procedures for fear of an outbreak of the epidemic, everyone is stuck in homes, which created obstacles for the people of goodness in the delivery of handouts to those who deserve them, in addition to the increasing individual and family needs and electronic devices necessary to finish work and distance learning. 

Also, many Muslims have redirected their budgets for the month of Ramadan to purchase gloves, masks and other means to prevent corona virus.

Usually she used to collect donations to prepare Ramadan food bags for the needy, which contained legumes, rice, sugar, dates and milk, but this year, due to the spread of the Corona pandemic, there is a shortage of basic foodstuffs, according to the Middle East Eye website.

In light of the restrictions imposed on movement, it has become difficult for philanthropists to provide breakfast to the needy, travelers and low-wage workers. In addition to banning the establishment of the tables of Rahman, which was receiving thousands of people who eat breakfast.

To overcome all of this, countries and people around the world have developed various mechanisms to help each other. In Indonesia, for example, the Minister of Religious Affairs urged the wealthy to fulfill the early payment of zakat and other donations during the epidemic, indicating the need to pay attention to safety measures while carrying out Do this so that others do not become infected with the virus.

Make sure to provide toys and clothes appropriate for children as they are as important as cash donations (Getty Images)

Aid models
 at the individual level You can specify the people you want to help, with priority being for relatives, because "relatives are first in favor", so if every person who is able in the circle of acquaintances and large family looks and searches, he will know who needs help and which method of assistance is most appropriate for him. 

  • You can get to know those who have lost their jobs recently, if they need help urgently, or they can manage and only try to help them find a job for them.

  • Prepare the clothes that you can dispense with properly and send them to charities in preparation for Eid preparations.

  • Donate money, food, or clothing to workers who work on the street where you live. Some jobs cannot stop even during the quarantine period, such as cleaning and garbage collection.

Children become happier when they participate in volunteer work (Getty Images)

  • Paying zakat and charity through financial transfers via the Internet to charities that you trust and that you have dealt with before.

  • If you are an employer, you must respect the financial and human rights of employees, even if you intend to lay off some employees.

  • Money for Ramadan feasts can be provided to the needy and distributed to the poor.

  • Due to the increasing need for electronic devices to do study or work from home, you can review devices in your home, you may find what can be dispensed and granted to someone who needs them.

  • Finally, pay attention to needy people, look carefully around you, and you may find people in greatest need of help, but they cannot tell that.

Children who participate in volunteer and charity work are happier and independent, so make them participate in the matter by donating an expense a day or two during the month with what can be dispensed from their toys and clothes.