RAMADAN is an occasion for empathy, and Gafsons Industries Limited on Sunday fed thousands of persons, among them children and the elderly, at its Houston, East Bank Demerara complex.
Ramadan will start around May 27, and will continue for 29 or 30 days.
Executive Chairman, Mr Sattaur Gafoor and his wife Ameena Gafoor shared out cash and hampers, while company staff shared clothing and food.
Mr. Gafoor noted that one of the most important principles of Islam is that all things belong to Allah, and that wealth is therefore held by human beings in trust. As such, possessions are purified by setting aside a proportion for those in need.
He said zakaat is one of the five pillars of Islam, and serves principally as the welfare contribution to poor and deprived individuals. The payment of zakaat is obligatory on every sane and mature muslim whenever there is an economic activity.
Gafoor explained that zakaat not only purifies the property of the contributor but also purifies his heart from selfishness and greed. It also purifies the heart of the recipient from envy and jealousy, from hatred and uneasiness, and it fosters instead goodwill and warm wishes for the contributors.

Mrs Gafoor said one of the greatest objectives of the month of Ramadan is to understand what others are going through, particularly those who are less fortunate. This occasion also allows muslims to give back and appreciate one’s blessings.
Muslims believe that their good actions bring a greater reward during this month than at any other time of the year, because this month has been blessed by Allah.
Almost all Muslims try to give up bad habits during Ramadan, and some will try to become better muslims by praying more and reading more of the Qur’an.
Muslims believe that this is one way that the chaining up of the devils is manifested, since there is no other reason for them to do so.
Ramadan is also considered a time for intense prayer and religious devotion, with Muslims being encouraged to observe the five daily prayers throughout the day. Many will recite the Quran just before sunset and the start of their feasting.
Often, people will donate money to charity during Ramadan and help to feed the hungry. And muslims will also take the time to cut down on other vices such as gossiping, swearing and fighting. One of the goals of abstaining from food and drink is to understand the situation of the less fortunate.