Pakistan: Islamabad mosque spreads Eid joy with free clothes and shoes for the needy

Islamabad: With Ramadan ending, streets and malls in Islamabad are packed with families rushing to complete last-minute Eid shopping, looking for the perfect dresses, shoes and gifts to celebrate Eid Al Fitr.

Just a few blocks away from the bustling shops, Masjid Rahmatul-lil-Alameen is hosting a different kind of celebration. The mosque complex is filled with people, not only for prayers but for gifts — new clothes, shoes and essentials to make their Eid special. Normally a place of worship, the mosque has transformed into a centre of support, ensuring that no one — regardless of their financial situation — misses out on the joy of Eid. The initiative specifically supports orphans, widows, and families facing financial hardships.

On the afternoon of the 26th of Ramadan, a long queue of people, mostly women and young children, patiently waited outside Masjid Rahmatul-lil-Alameen on Nazimuddin Road in Islamabad’s F-8/4 neighbourhood to receive their Eid gifts. For many, this mosque is more than just a house of prayer — it’s a source of dignity, joy and a sense of belonging during Ramadan and Eid.

For 36-year-old Naila, a mother of three, receiving Eid gifts from the mosque was a moment of overwhelming relief. “My kids always had to make do with what we had,” she says. “But this time, knowing they’ll have new clothes for Eid, it feels like we’re part of the celebration. I can’t wait to see their faces light up with happiness.”

Inside the mosque’s Eid shopping area, women and children move through rows of clothes, their faces lit with excitement. Children eagerly try on shoes, hoping to find the perfect pair, while women browse through colourful dresses, scarves, and sparkling jewellery. Shelves are stocked with bags, bangles, makeup, and all the festive essentials. There is joy and excitement in the air as families pick clothes for Eid — a rare treat they may not have been able to afford otherwise. Along with these gifts, families also receive cash gifts, adding to the joy of the occasion.

Each day, around 70 families receive assistance, with 150 meals served daily. As demand continues to rise, the mosque plans to expand its efforts. For Eid gift distribution, a select group of about 4,000 families has been chosen through a rigorous vetting process. A mosque team interviews each family and selects the most deserving recipients based on their needs. “We have over 15,000 registered but can assist only 4,000 families with Eid gifts this year, ensuring support reaches those who truly need it,” according to the mosque official. More than 2,500 families have already received their Eid gifts.

What sets Masjid Rahmatul-lil-Alameen apart is its commitment to dignity, fairness, and transparency. “We want to ensure that every person is treated with respect,” says Dr. Ubaid ur Rahman Bashir, the mosque’s chief patron and director. “Eid should be a time when everyone feels included and valued.”

Founded in 2018, with charity work beginning in earnest in 2022, Masjid Rahmatul-lil-Alameen was born out of Dr. Bashir’s vision to uplift those in need, particularly the most vulnerable — widows, orphans, and struggling families. While Dr. Bashir is renowned for his academic work as the principal of the Institute of Arabic Language in Islamabad, his true calling lies in serving the marginalized and ensuring they are included in the celebrations of Ramadan and Eid.

“Eid is a time of joy, but for many, it’s also a reminder of what they lack,” Dr. Bashir told Gulf News. “Our goal is simple: No one should feel excluded, especially on this day.” Dr. Ubaid ur Rahman Bashir, a member of the Arabic Faculty at the International Islamic University, holds a PhD in Arabic Literature.

In Arabic, Rahmatul-lil-Alameen means ‘Mercy to all creation’. This title, bestowed upon Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) in the Quran, signifies the spirit of guidance and compassion for humanity. Inspired by this, the small but dedicated team of Masjid Rahmatul-lil-Alameen has made it their mission to embody these values through the mosque’s services and outreach.

The mosque’s vision is rooted in the essence of the Prophet Mohammad’s (PBUH) Mosque in Medina, which was not only a place of worship but also a community centre for education, welfare, and social activities.

Dr. Bashir strives to adopt this model, aiming to transform this Islamabad mosque into a centre for holistic care — a hub for learning, charity, social welfare, and even medical services. “Our mosque aims to reflect the spirit of Prophet Muhammad’s Mosque,” Dr. Bashir shared with Gulf News. “It’s about caring for health, food, education, and overall well-being. True service means taking care of the entire community.”

This mission would not be possible without the unwavering support of donors and volunteers, he said. Across Islamabad and beyond, Pakistanis generously donate clothes, shoes, and other essentials. Volunteers work tirelessly to sort donations, ensuring everything is ready by Eid. “The joy on people’s faces makes all the effort worthwhile,” says Omar Khan, a young volunteer packing Eid gifts.

Masjid Rahmatul-lil-Alameen’s community initiatives extend throughout the year. The mosque operates a fully stocked clinic, a ration store with essential food staples, and a community kitchen providing free meals. “It’s not just about providing food—it’s about offering a place where people can come for help without feeling ashamed,” explains a mosque official.

The support goes beyond clothes, food, and medical care. The mosque also offers a free wedding venue for those who cannot afford to host their celebrations. For many, these acts of kindness are life-changing. One father, deeply moved by the mosque’s generosity, said, “This isn’t just a wedding hall; it’s where we can celebrate our most important moments with dignity.”

Building on this spirit of service, Masjid Rahmatul-lil-Alameen is launching a new project—a 100-home village aimed at providing widows and orphans with safe housing, educational opportunities, and skills training.

Dr. Bashir hopes that Masjid Rahmatul-lil-Alameen’s initiatives will inspire others to embrace a model of empathy and support. “It’s not just about material gifts,” he says. “It’s about creating a culture of generosity where empathy is woven into everyday life.”

The mosque’s efforts go beyond charity as it helps promote community unity, ensuring no one feels excluded during Eid. For those receiving support, this Eid is a reminder that they are seen, respected, and valued. The mosque’s guiding principle is simple yet powerful: “Whoever is kind, Allah will be kind to him.” This belief, Dr. Bashir says, fuels every initiative, making kindness and compassion the heart of Masjid Rahmatul-lil-Alameen’s mission.