Fueling Foodboxes for Ramadan

Why IRUSA puts feeding people first in the holy month

Yusuf Azmi

When Ramadan arrives, it puts something into focus that we can take for granted on a daily basis. Food.  All of a sudden, a month in the year falls upon us and we have to go without something that we are so used to the rest of the time. Being able to eat whenever we want. Restricted to only being able to eat during the hours of sunset to sunrise. We’re reminded of how fortunate we are to be afforded the blessing of not worrying when we can and can’t eat.

Ramadan’s arrival also brings something else into focus. Something that we can’t afford to forget. Those without food. 

Withholding from food and drink during the hours of sunlight allows us to feel a small part of what those facing hunger throughout the world feel on a daily basis. Food insecurity is a reality facing 9% of people in the world. 

If we don’t remember them now, when our focus is on how they feel, and what they have to go through, then when would we remember them? If we don’t support them now, then when would we support them? 

Think of your struggle throughout the day during Ramadan. The mental strength it takes to get through those first few days when your body is adjusting to the demands of fasting. Now imagine removing the security of knowing that Iftar is coming. Not knowing where your next meal is coming from. That is why we fast, so that we can understand. So that we can support those for whom that is their daily reality. 

This Ramadan, IRUSA is once again distributing food boxes to those facing hunger throughout the world. We are fortunate to have built up a strong network of distribution so you can be assured that your donations will have the biggest impact. You can feed a family, of four to six people, for up to two weeks for just $75. 

Our food boxes will be distributed to 33 countries, reaching over 1 million individuals. The contents of the box vary from country to country; however, we strive to purchase products locally so that the local economy feels the benefit of your support.  

In addition to our international distribution, IRUSA is also distributing Ramadan food boxes right here in the US. We’re aiming to provide over 10,000 food boxes, to over 100,000 individuals, throughout the US, with food boxes in the month of Ramadan alone. 

Ramadan is a time for giving, it’s a time for remembrance, it’s a time for charity. “The best charity is that given in Ramadan.” – Tirmidhi. It’s a time for us to come together and support those in need, to feel their suffering and do something about it. 

The rewards on offer from Allah (swt) are a bonus, but the real reward is knowing that you made a difference. That now, in this time, during this blessed month, when you know how it feels to feel hungry, you can be there for those who have to feel that all the time. 

“Ramadan has come to you. It is a month of blessings, in which Allah covers you with blessings, for He sends down Mercy, decreases sins, and answers prayers. In it, Allah looks at your competition (in good deeds) and boasts about you to His angels. So, show Allah goodness from yourselves, for the unfortunate one is he who is deprived in (this month) of the mercy of Allah, the Mighty, the Exalted.” – Imam Tabarani

Ramadan Mubarak.