CAIRO – American Muslims will distribute 50 tons of food to the needy during Ramadan, expanding their charity efforts across southeastern Michigan during the holy fasting month which starts Sunday night.

“One of the greatest objectives of the month of Ramadan is understanding what others are going through, those who are less fortunate,” Shaykh Mohamed Almasmari, the religious leader of the Unity Center mosque in Bloomfield Hills, told Detroit Free Press on Sunday, June 5.

“By not eating during the day, we understand their struggle.”

Ramadan, the holiest month in Islamic calendar, kicks-off on June 6.

In Ramadan, adult Muslims, save the sick and those traveling, abstain from food, drink, smoking and sex between dawn and sunset.

Muslims dedicate their time during the holy month to become closer to Allah through prayer, self-restraint and good deeds.

It is customary for Muslims to spend part of the days during Ramadan studying the Noble Qur’an.

Many men perform i`tikaf (spiritual retreat), spending the last 10 days of the month exclusively in the mosque.

Keeping with the season’s theme of sacrifice and remembering the poor, the Michigan Muslim Community Council has created a program called the Ramadan Fight Against Hunger.

According to organizers, more than 50 tons of food will be collected and distributed to the hungry across southeastern Michigan over the 30 days of Ramadan.

Mosques and Muslim groups in metro Detroit are helping with the effort, which is in its fifth year and feeds people of all backgrounds and faiths.

“Ramadan allows you to give back, to appreciate your blessings,” said Almasmari, executive director of the Michigan Muslim Community Council.

In Islam, “we say, ‘from Him to Him.’ You give that which belongs to God by giving to those in need.”

At Zaman International Hope for Humanity’s center in Inkster, volunteers have been packing food boxes to be distributed to the hungry.

Last week, Zaman bought $25,000 worth of food, which was packed by volunteers at its warehouse.

“I think of Ramadan as Thanksgiving every day,” said Najah Bazzy, founder and president of Zaman International.

“It’s a time to really feel with the human family, to provide equity and equality … to think beyond yourself, a celebration of family, time to remember and give thanks and to share food.”