During the holy month of Ramadan, Dompet Dhuafa USA carried out a series of humanitarian programs to share the blessings of the sacred season with those in need across different parts of the world. With the spirit of compassion, solidarity, and faith, these initiatives aimed to bring joy to orphans, feed the hungry, and fulfill one of Islam’s most essential obligations, Zakat al-Fitr.
Eid Gift Baskets for Orphans: Bringing Smiles to Children in Jakarta
On March 29, Dompet Dhuafa USA, in collaboration with the Yayasan Sumberdaya Masyarakat Indonesia (YSMI), distributed Eid Gift Baskets to 110 orphaned and underprivileged children in Jakarta. The initiative aimed to uplift the spirit of these children ahead of Eid al-Fitr by providing them with meaningful and thoughtful gifts.
Each basket included:
- A new set of clothing to celebrate Eid with dignity and joy
- Worship essentials such as prayer mats (sajadah), sarongs, and mukena for girls
These items were carefully selected to ensure that the children not only enjoyed the festive celebration but were also equipped to strengthen their connection with Allah SWT through worship and prayer. The event was filled with laughter, gratitude, and heartfelt moments that echoed the true essence of Ramadan: generosity and care for the less fortunate.
Feeding Families in Gaza: Iftar Kitchen for Palestine
Understanding the urgency of the humanitarian crisis in Palestine, Dompet Dhuafa USA also extended support to the people of Gaza during Ramadan through its Iftar Kitchen for Palestine program. A total of 37 food packages were distributed to families affected by ongoing conflict and hardship.
Each food package included nutritious meals for iftar (breaking the fast), offering a sense of relief and solidarity to families enduring the harsh realities of life in a conflict zone. Though the number may seem modest, the impact was profound, reflecting the importance of even the smallest act of kindness in times of great difficulty.
This effort stands as a reminder of the Qur’anic call to support our brothers and sisters in need, regardless of geography:
“The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allāh multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And Allāh is all-Encompassing and Knowing.” (Surah Al-Baqarah: 261)
Zakat al-Fitr Distribution: Spreading Blessings Throughout Indonesia
Fulfilling the Islamic obligation of Zakat al-Fitr, Dompet Dhuafa USA organized a comprehensive distribution program reaching multiple regions across Indonesia. Zakat al-Fitr was distributed both in the form of rice and cash to eligible beneficiaries, ensuring that everyone, especially those in underserved communities, could celebrate Eid al-Fitr with dignity.
The distribution reached a total of 900 beneficiaries, broken down as follows:
- Riau Islands: 84 beneficiaries
- East Kalimantan: 130 beneficiaries
- Yogyakarta: 125 beneficiaries
- East Java: 212 beneficiaries
- South Sulawesi: 100 beneficiaries
- East Nusa Tenggara: 249 beneficiaries
By prioritizing remote and often overlooked areas, the zakat distribution program not only alleviated economic burdens but also brought a renewed sense of hope and inclusion to the communities served.
A Month of Mercy, A Legacy of Compassion
Ramadan is more than a month of fasting; it is a sacred time for reflection, generosity, and social responsibility. The programs initiated and supported by Dompet Dhuafa USA are part of an ongoing commitment to build stronger, more compassionate communities, both in the United States and abroad.
Every donation and every effort, no matter how small, becomes part of a larger movement to create real, positive change. As the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“He is not a believer whose stomach is filled while the neighbor to his side goes hungry.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari)
We extend our deepest gratitude to all donors, volunteers, and partners who made this Ramadan outreach possible. May Allah SWT accept all our good deeds, purify our intentions, and continue to guide us in serving humanity with sincerity and love.
Dompet Dhuafa USA remains committed to building bridges of compassion and service across continents. As we move beyond Ramadan and into the rest of the year, we invite our supporters to stay engaged, continue contributing, and be part of our mission to uplift lives through faith-inspired action.
Ramadan Mubarak and Eid Sa’id!
May your prayers be answered, your fasts accepted, and your hearts filled with peace.
