Giving is important

A time for change, forgiveness, generosity and togetherness - this is what Ramadan is all about. Abiya Ahmad finds out how universities in the UAE are observing the month

"Every good act is charity ... "
- Prophet Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him)

A nd charity peaks, especially during Ramadan, commonly referred to as "the month of giving".

In an attempt to live up to this title, students and officials at the American University in Dubai (AUD) have organised activities on campus to raise funds for "The City That Cares" campaign, in coordination with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Al Noor Training Centre for Special Needs.

The hub of these activities is the Ramadan tent, the setting up of which is an annual tradition at the university.

Every evening, one student club takes over the responsibility of arranging activities and providing iftar for their fellow students. This way, everyone gets the chance to contribute to the campaign.
What motivates them to show such enthusiasm for the cause?

Notes spoke to some very-active AUD students to discover how they celebrate Ramadan, and why charity plays such a key role this month.

A time to give

"Each Ramadan is a new start for me," said Mohammad Taylor, a Saudi/British senior student majoring in finance, "because I know I will change to be a better person."

According to him, everyone tries to better their lifestyle during the month by "helping each other out".

Asked how he personally observes Ramadan, Mohammad said: "Well prayers are a must - whether it is Ramadan or not. I try to read more of the Holy Quran, cut down on unnecessary [bad] language, and be patient."

For Noor Al Geziry, a UAE national student of visual communications, "Ramadan is a time of sincere submission to God," and a chance to "strengthen our faiths, ask for forgiveness, help others in need and overall be better people".

Like Mohammad, she too prays more. "I also make it a point to do something for charity and encourage others to do so as well. For it is the time of giving and sharing and helping, and it also makes a person feel better to know that he or she has helped some other soul in some way," she said.

Variety of activities

Both Noor and Mohammad are at the forefront of organising daily Ramadan activities in the tent and on the AUD campus. The activities include athletic events, art and craft sales, bake sales, seminars, quizzes, raffle draws and games.

The money collected will be given to the Al Noor Centre for Special Needs. Noor said a guest speaker from the centre had been invited to present a lecture at the university.

Joseph Nohra, the AUD athletics coordinator, said sports activities include volleyball, basketball, soccer, tennis for both men and women and men's cricket.

AUD is participating in an Inter-collegiate Sports Tournament during Ramadan, said women's basketball captain Sara Dimashki. The sophomore said it was hard to play sports during Ramadan. "We've moved the practices to after iftar so everyone can make it," she added.

Mohammad usually organises a football tournament with the help of his fellow students. "All other activities are undertaken by students who are committed to make sure each and every single event is a successful one. We all work as one team," he said.

Indeed, teamwork is a quality that is apparent in the campaign. Dala Farouki, student activities coordinator, said several students and clubs were involved in the fund-raising campaign, with each responsible for a certain task.

The writer is a mass communications student and editor of the university newspaper at the American University of Sharjah