Ramazan: When charity comes from the heart

Ramazan is that time of the year whereby an innate need to do good takes over the general populace. This is best portrayed by the number of free Iftari stalls set up around the city.

These stalls are set up for the less fortunate who are unable to afford a decent Iftari as well as commuters who are yet to reach their destinations and have to break their fast on the road. Interestingly, many of these Iftari gatherings are organised by the not-so-affluent members of the society. However, a generous spirit and the desire to help others render all requisites irrelevant.

Thesedays, about four stalls can be seen in a two square-mile area in Saddar, which have been set up by some shop owners and other people. One such person is a rickshaw driver Abdul Razzaq, affectionately referred to as ‘Chacha Razzaq’ by his peers.

Razzaq runs an Iftari stall on Din Mohammad Wafai Road, a short distance from the Pakistan International Airlines booking office. A rickshaw driver by profession, he certainly is not from the upper income bracket.

Talking to The News, he said that he has to wake up at 4am every morning to earn his livelihood. Just before Iftar time Razzaq takes a break to purchase Iftari items and set up a table for passersby and the less fortunate.

Upon being asked about the expenses incurred for such an altruistic exercise, Razzaq mentioned that it cost him around Rs150,000 for the whole month last year, which is a significant amount by any standard much less for a rickshaw driver. However, he has no complaints.

Razzaq said that he is thankful to God for having granted him the will and the strength to perform this charitable service. With temperatures rising in the metropolis, a kind act such as this one goes a long way.