LUCKNOW: There’s nothing so kingly as kindness and the
Ramzan faithful are sprinkling it everywhere.
Individuals and organisations in Moulviganj, Aminabad and Wazirganj are distributing sehri and iftar essentials such as flour, rice, pulses, sugar, oil and spices among underprivileged families to share the pride of roza in the run-up to Eid. Over 600 rozedar families have benefited so far.
Until last year, Shahnawaz Ghazi and his troupe performed door-to-door qawwali to wake up rozedars for the pre-dawn meal. This time, they have given their Ramzan duty a philanthropic twist.
“We are a group of 12 qawwals and each one of us are contributing to the best of our capacity. Till now, we have distributed grains, oil, spices, tea and more to over 350 needy families in Aminabad and Moulviganj,” Ghazi said. Rehnuma Bano, a widow and among the beneficiaries in Moulviganj, said she had prayed to Allah to provide for Ramzan and her prayers had been heard. “These qawwali boys are godsend for me. May Allah bless them,” said Rehnuma who makes a less than modest living by teaching children to read and write in Arabic.
Sameer Qureshi, the owner of a general store at Akbari Gate, is among the donors in old city. “It is a tradition in the family to share our privileges with the poor. Every year, we distribute sehri and iftar essentials. This year, I have invited needy rozedars to my store. They can take anything they want for free. I believe 120-130 people have come by for rice, flour, pulses, dates and more,” the trader said.
For Warisha Anjum, Qureshi is an angel in disguise. “I went to his store for 250gm of rice. When he heard my husband is ailing and I sell water pouches to make ends meet, he handed me two sacks full of grains, flour, dates, spices and other items. Also, he gave me some cash,” she said.