Imam urges faithful to diversify donations as per people's needs

Dubai: As Muslims prepare for the month of fasting, festivities and worship, an imam has urged Muslims to diversify their charitable giving and avoid concentrating on food donations alone.

Shaikh Waleed Abdul Mu'ti from a mosque in the Safa area in Dubai said Muslims needed to cater to the true requirements of the needy, and avoid relying on food donations alone since iftar meals would be made widely available by the numerous charitable organisations in the UAE.

"Think of charity as a garden with many flowers. Donations can be given in any form. We should be logical and donate what is needed most," he told Gulf News, adding that since this Ramadan comes a few weeks after the start of a new school year, school supplies for needy children would be an appropriate donation.

"Contributing to book publishers is a good deed too because it spreads knowledge, or even buying a plane ticket for someone who can't afford to meet his or her parents is good," he said.

Shaikh Waleed said Muslims conducted charitable activities in the month because it is considered a month of sacrifice. "If you are willing to sacrifice your urges during the day, you are more likely to sacrifice other things," he said, stressing the need to ensure that food is not wasted during the month.