Takatof

Article in brief: A take on “Takatof”, their Ramadan initiatives and what they mean for the community.

Ramadan has begun, a 30-day opportunity to cleanse our souls and rid it of its impurities. Whilst we are blessed with all the means of having a comfortable and easygoing month of fasting, praying and self-discovery; many others don’t.

As muslims, we often provide charity in the form of money to the needy to fulfill the essence of giving that Islam promotes, and by providing voluntary aid. By providing monetary aid, you are helping the needy for a temporary period of time, until the money runs out. By volunteering, however, you are exhibiting acts of kindness, and the effects of those acts will be imprinted on the souls of those whom you are helping. Such acts can be volunteering at the Old People’s Home or visiting a Children’s center. Not only are we benefitting the needy, but we are benefitting ourselves too.

By stepping out of our comfort zone and volunteering, we’re allowing ourselves the satisfaction and joy gained from the gift of giving; we’re ridding our souls of the stains of vanity, with the essence of humility. We’re exemplifying a vital trait that this society was built upon; team work. We often hear tales from our grandparents as to how families would help each other out when the breadwinner would be out at sea, or when a family member has passed away or even as a marriage is approaching. The relationships built during those times have been sustained until today, in many cases, and have been inherited on to the coming generations.

Nowadays, volunteering is an effective method to bring that aspect of our culture back to life. On the auspicious occasion of Ramadan, Emirates Foundation’s project ‘Takatof’ has launched several volunteering opportunities throughout the course of this Holy Month, and attached below is a table with the many initiatives that you can participate in.

Meer Ramadan, for example, is specialized in the distribution of food aid to families in need, Mobadarat Al Khair is in charge of the distribution of materials such as clothes and electronic appliances donated by philanthropists to needy families across the country. Bait Al Khair is an initiative suitable for those interested in renovating the houses of the needy, Meyah Al Khair volunteers will distribute drinking water. To conclude this program, Mesk Al Khetam will include the distribution of gifts to children with incurable diseases as their “Eidiya”.

To join Takatof you need to register on their website: http://takatof.ae/en

I wish you all a Ramadan Kareem.