giving

The main purpose of fasting is described in the Quran as "so that you may attain Taqwa or God-consciousness." Fasting is thus yet another instrument for bringing us closer to our natural state, our state of Fitrah.

Have you seen him who belies the rewards and punishments of the Hereafter? He it is who drives away the orphan and does not urge giving away the food of the poor. (Quran, 107:1 - 3)

The United States Congress recently designated June 10 as National Hunger Awareness Day.  While hunger and poverty are ongoing problems in all of America, and even more so, the rest of the world, we can use this time to work more proactively on the issue. Here are five simple things you can do.

Poverty in America? One of the richest countries in the world? Yes, poverty is a reality in America, just as it is for millions of other human beings on the planet. According to the US Census Bureau, 35.9 million people live below the poverty line in America, including 12.9 million children.

Less than a year ago, it was the Tsunami. Last month it was Katrina & Rits. And now we have this earthquake in Kashmir. More than forty thousand people have perished and at least three million are homeless.

The focus on the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina must remain on its survivors as well as the ongoing marathon of hurricanes, which have doubled in 35 years. However, we cannot but wonder why Muslims have not given enough attention to bring in the limelight the tremendous outpouring of sympathy and financial resources for Katrina's victims.

What can you, a teenager who doesn't have a lot of money or resources, do to help the needy and poor? More than you think. Most young adults are blessed with the creativity and intelligence to find ways to help others despite limited resources. Here are some tips.