Noticing an increase in the number of people claiming food parcels in their area, a group of Muslims from Buckinghamshire, South East England, are running, walking or cycling 5km every day during Ramadan to raise money for a food poverty charity.
“We’re doing it partly because during Ramadan we typically challenge ourselves spiritually,” Javad Malik, from the group, told BBC.
“We do extra charitable deeds. It’s what we call the month of mercy, we hope God shows us mercy and as a result we show other people mercy.”
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Since the start of Ramadan, Malik and the Chiltern Champions have raised more than £1,800 for the Big Community Takeaway, which offers those in need a two-course meal in Buckinghamshire.
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Ramadan Charity
Though running 5km everyday outside of Ramadan “would be asking a lot”, Malik said the fasting has helped him and the group.
“The timings of all of this is really important,” Malik said.
“We run about an hour before Iftar, when we can actually break our fast and eat, but not being able to take liquids for 14 hours before is a bit much.
“We’re just taking it easy and not going mad.”
In Ramadan, adult Muslims, save the sick and those traveling, abstain from food, drink, smoking and sex between dawn and sunset.
Generosity and charity are generally blessed in Islamic Shari’ah, however, it’s specially blessed during the month of Ramadan.
Multiplies rewards, for one thing, Ramadan is a blessed month where the rewards for all of our good deeds are multiplied.
Earlier this month, Afruz Miah, 48, announced plans to run through 23 cities in 23 days during Ramadan for charity.
Another Muslim, Cherno Jagne said he planned to run 150km this month to raise funds for Afghan refugees, enabling them rebuild their lives in the UK and the US.