Throughout the Muslim world, Ramadan is a period of almsgiving – embrace it by donating and volunteering.
Charity is very important in Islam, and is especially so during Ramadan. Zakāt, which translates as ‘the poor-rate’, is one of the pillars of Islam that requires 2.5 percent of a person’s savings to be given to the poor. Sadaqah is voluntary charity above and beyond the obligation of Zakāt, and many people will choose Ramadan to give a larger portion of the Zakāt and Sadaqah to the poor and needy. Here in the Gulf there are many charitable organisations that you can donate to, but if you don’t have much money to give, dedicating your time and assistance to these noble causes is also of great value.
Here are some charities around Bahrain that you can get involved with …
Dreams Society
At Dreams Society, we believe that children who are ill should have the same opportunity to experience joy and happiness as all children. Indeed, the courage and patience that they display, despite their pain and suffering, makes fulfilling their treasured dreams even more special. Making a dream come true for a terminally or seriously ill child will not just brighten their day but will create a lifelong memory they will always remember and will be a gift that their parents and family will treasure forever. Dreams Society operates with complete integrity and dependability to ensure that the child has an unforgettable experience, and that the parents and family can share their joy.
http://www.dreams.bh/membership-application.php
BSPCA
Volunteers are welcome to come along and help on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturday mornings. There are many tasks which the public can be involved with such as walking the dogs, grooming the cats, puppies and dogs, and socialising with the animals.
Hours for volunteering are from 9am to 1pm
Volunteers will be asked to sign in at reception before joining in. All children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
http://www.bspca.org/volunteering/
Women’s Crisis Care International
Women’s Crisis Care International provides violence crisis response, and training services for the development and implementation of crisis response programs, as well as community education programs. We do so by sharing our passion and expertise for women’s care with hospitals, medical groups and community organizations. Additionally, we provide a safe and loving space for women who have experienced sexual or domestic abuse and are seeking counseling and/or social services. Through this, we seek to reduce the long-term suffering of survivors of violence, as well as increase the overall health and happiness of women, one by one, throughout the larger global community.
http://www.womenscci.org/get-involved.html
American Women‘s Association (AWA)
The American Women’s Association (Bahrain) is a non-profit organisation founded to further relations among all women residing in Bahrain and to promote Bahraini and International friendship.
We are a dynamic group of women from all over the world that functions as a social, cultural and charity organization. We currently have over 200 members of more than 40 countries. While helpful in settling in new expat women in Bahrain, we have a very active membership that participates in different interest groups, as well as a band of volunteers who help us make our charitable contributions to more than 35 non-profit organizations and individuals in Bahrain each year.
http://awabahrain.org/community-services/volunteer/
Ramadan Kareem!