Fasting for 30 days, Ramadan for Muslims is about sharing, caring for the other, and getting closer to Allah.

In Worcester, Massachusetts, a local Islamic center is making sure no one goes hungry during the holy month.

Amid their preparations for Ramadan, the Worcester Islamic Center held their annual food distribution drive for local families Sunday afternoon.

More than 300 people showed up and received boxes of food in the trunks of their cars to maintain health guidelines.

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“The reason for doing this food drive is we want to help anyone who’s in need of food,” Islamic Center spokesman Tahir Ali said, Telegram & Gazette reported.

“Regardless of their faith or religion, the only criteria here is who needs food and should come to the center.”

Helping Less Fortunate

Ramadan is the 9th month of the Hijri Islamic calendar. Muslims worldwide observe it as a month of fasting to commemorate the first revelation of the Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad.

During Ramadan fasting from dawn until sunset, Muslims refrain from consuming food, drinking liquids, smoking, and engaging in sexual relations) the same phrase.

Ali said Ramadan is a month of giving, and to “feel the pain of an empty stomach.”

“This reminds us of the people in need,” he said. “As a good neighbor, we provide what we can to sustain the people. It’s a good gesture and good deed that the Muslim community around the world do.”

The annual food drive has become a fixture in Worcester where hundreds of boxes of food is given away every year.

Before COVID-19 pandemic, the center used to offer hot meals and interfaith sessions, an efforts praised by Worcester Mayor Joseph Petty who comes to the event to show support.

“When you put the box in the car and you see the person smile as they drive away, it’s a very good feeling,” Ali said. “In Islam, even a smile is a sign of charity.”

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