Even for those not performing the pilgrimage, Hajj, the first ten days of this month are considered very sacred. They are a time for increased reflection, seeking Allah’s forgiveness, doing good, and various other forms of worship.
Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, has said about the first ten days of Dzulhijjah: “There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.” The people asked, “Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah?” He said, “Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah, except in the case of a man who went out to fight giving himself and his wealth up for the cause, and came back with nothing” (Bukhari) So sacred are the first ten days of Dzulhijjah that Allah swears an oath by them when He says in the Quran: “By the dawn; by the ten nights” (89:1-2). Swearing an oath by something indicates its importance and great benefit.
Although Ruzaini Syazwan is a full-time student, he has been buying pre-dawn meals from 2.30am to distribute to the needy, reported Berita Mediacorp.
Kickstarting the #UmbrellaInitiative on his own, Syazwan had the plight of this vulnerable community in mind. Knowing that they’ll have no pre-dawn and break fast or iftar meals from the mosques, he decided to be their provider instead.
Relying solely on money from the community, Syazwan has gone from buying and delivering 20 packs of food a day at the start of Ramadan, to over 50 now.
Doesn’t matter how big the difference a person can make, the most important thing is to take the first step. Everything else will fall into place once you take the first step.
It’s very heartening to see young Singaporeans making a difference in the community.
