Shereen Shabnam

As Ramadan approaches, we look at some of the most important acts during this month that gives joy and charity is naturally one of the crucial ones. Giving during this holy month is all about creating a sustainable environment in which every human being can survive and thrive as it allows those who have enough to eat to experience what its like for those who do not have enough to live.

The act of charity motivates us to help those who are less fortunate, without expecting anything in return. True giving also gives one the most happiness to both the giver and receiver. It is the same when you give a gift – the giver revels in the pleasure of giving something special which is also enjoyed by the person who receives the gift.

Giving comes in the form of small, personal acts of kindness and does not have to be material. It can come in form of assistance with carrying something for the elderly, advice, a kind word, compliments on clothes, reassurance during difficult times or a smile.

Our parents always told us that every act of love, kindness and generosity will multiply and return to you many times over. The more you give the happier you will feel. During Ramadan, we feel this more than ever.

It is one of life’s wonderful paradoxes that you limit the power of your giving by having an expectation of getting something in return. When you give without expecting something back, your joy and returns become truly limitless.

The acts of giving and receiving are a continuos process of circulation that continues the flow of life’s positive energies. When you look at some of the philanthropists in the UAE, they tend to be wealthy business personalities who enjoy more success even though they give large amounts to charity.

The act of charity brings the giver more blessings especially when it is given from the heart. The act of giving is not limited to a special month. It is something that can be done an all year round depending on the need and requirements of those around you facing a difficulty or needing a helping hand.

And the helping hand does not need to be only to someone you know or to people based on a certain ethnicity or skin colour. One of the recent observations made globally during war was the fact that many opened their homes and purses to support people who were based on their own ethnicity and skin colour rather than to others equally affected by war in the past and present or affected by bad decisions made by politicians.

The moral of the lesson is – Give with an open heart and those who need the help and support most without looking at who they are and without expecting anything in return. Only then you get the true happiness from the act of giving.