An Eid request for all

[Ladies Man]

I hate to be a spoilsport every time but here's the deal....

A few years back I was in Karachi during ramadan when I took my younger sister and mum out for some good ol' eid shopping. I absolutely love both 'em ladies so price is never a question when it comes to spoiling 'em two. I was waiting outside a jewellery shop while they made their choices when i noticed a couple of young ladies with their mum just strolling about and stopping in front of a not-so-pricey shoe store. They could've been just about any of the millions of female inhabitants of karachi. They looked poor and whilst the two young ladies stood transfixed admiring the merchandise variety available inside the shop I couldn't help but notice the sense of helplessness on their mother's face. She looked grim while her daughters waited anxiously for that one green signal from their mum to be off the blocks and get their hands on a fresh pair of shoes.

That signal never came to pass as the mother's shoulders dropped, and coupled with that look of resignation off they went. Mum walking in the front a few meters ahead while the sisters dragging their feet behind -- but not once did I hear a peep from either one. They had completely come to terms with their predicament.

Turning my gaze back into the jewellery shop I noticed women of all ages giggling, laughing away, trying on the most expensive jewellery, including my sister. I made a change that day. I didn't buy anything for my sister. She understood. But I did spend that money on five needy families. I am not going to blow my own trumpet by exploiting what I did, but here's a brotherly request for all you priviliged ladies and gents: this Eid spend money but only on the needy. They would really like it. Make it a joyous one for them. The instant gratification is thousand times that off buying something for yourself or your loved one. Last but not the least to mention the rewards Allah will shower you for all eternity.

God bless.

[Gunner786]

post of the year this 100%

really made me think

[12thMan]

very nice post but a question - how did you apporach the family and what did you have to do for them to accept your help

[Momo]

A very valuable message, Mashaallah. That about the uphill road.

But he would not attempt the uphill road,
And what will make you comprehend what the uphill road is?
(It is) the setting free of a slave,
Or the giving of food in a day of hunger
To an orphan, having relationship,
Or to the poor man lying in the dust.
Then he is of those who believe and charge one another to show patience, and charge one another to show compassion.
These are the people of the right hand.
[90.11-18]

There's no success unless one spends out of what Allah has given one, and that which is very dear to oneself. But it's a steep road which not too many can ascend.

[Muzy]

really nice post to share!!!

ive never experienced eid shopping in my entire life but i know that i do feel sad when i watch on news channels about eid preparations, my mum has always taught me and my sister to wear what we have even if its a few years old and to think more of the unfortunate on eid days and to make others happy, this eid i hope the money i donate will go to an orphanage anywhere in the world to see the sight of little kids with no parents no clothes shoes no guardian no education brings a tear to my eye, inshallah May Allah give us strength to build our imaan even more as times are getting even more harder day by day

[Keith]

Excellent post mate. I used to treat people very very poorly. If there was not something in it for me then I did not care. I trampled on and over people all the time. I did not care who I hurt in the process or for any of the fallout associated therewith. I had everything that 1 could desire. Money, properties, fancy cars etc. Thing is I was dreadfully unhappy and made others around me unhappy.

Something happened 1 day that opened my eyes towards the plight of others. From that day I made a conscious decision to change. More than that actually, I made a decision to change my entire outlook at life and what was actually important in life. I made the decision to do unto others as I would like to have done to myself.

My whole life turned around. I still had the wealth etc. but something "magically" changed within me. I became happy, almost overnight!!!!

I now try and assist needy people wherever and whenever I can, not only with money but through deeds mostly. Therre is no better feeling than going to an AIDS haven for kids and just seeing the joy on those kids faces when you pick them up and hold them. Something, as simple as a hug, means so much to them. Pure joy on their faces. Yes, it is difficult going back again and again and seeing that some of those faces, that you have become accustomed to, are no longer around. (I stopped asking questions after I realised that they had passed away due to their illness). But then you start again with the new faces and see the joy all over again.

Providing a family with a warm meal everyday (something so mundane and normal for us) and seeing the pure appreciation in a fathers eye when his children are fed is something that still leaves me gasping for breath at times.

Ladies Man: I salute you mate. Keep going along this path. I guarantee that you will be more fullfilled than you can ever imagine. You took, what appeared to be a small step, but let me tell you that it is a step that will change the rest of your life forever.

Thank you.

[Waq]

Your gonna get me divorced 'ladies man'.

[Javelin]

Originally Posted by Waq Your gonna get me divorced 'ladies man'.

Some would say an even bigger reason to follow in 'ladies man's footsteps! (just joking)

[Momo]

Originally Posted by Waq Your gonna get me divorced 'ladies man'.

Not necessarily. After all Ladies Man is still a ladies' man (judging from his user name).

[Mohsin]

Post of the month, message of the month, whatever!

Excellent post

[madaboutlfc]

man that is so moving and deep.. the best post on PP for a long time.. Most of us on PP I believe enjoy a high standard of living... I will be the first to come and say that I have never batted an eyelid when spending hundreds of quid eating out in restaurants..maybe that does not seem as relevant back in England than in Pakistan.. Even here just this ramadan the lavish iftar dinners in 5 star hotels which must come to 2-3 thousand minimum per head could have been better used else.. I read an advert in the paper for a charity which educates poor children and they claimed that one childs annual education cost is Rs10,000 a year and to think we must have wasted in hundred of thousands eating out collectively leaves a tinge of guilt..

[Ladies Man]

Originally Posted by 12thMan very nice post but a question - how did you apporach the family and what did you have to do for them to accept your help

I didn't approach that particular family. Even though I really wanted to go up to the mother and offer her my assistance but in Karachi you just can't strike up an intimate conversation with complete strangers. Instead my mum found out a few needy families through our work maid. It's heart-wrenching to hear how these families survive and live without basic necessities that us lucky ones take for granted day in and day out.

One really doesnt need to part ways with wads of cash to help out the needy. You'd be surprised at how simple and how little cash it takes to make someone's day so much better -- things like:
- monthly/yearly school tution fees/uniforms
- weekly food rations
- daily medication needs/hygene supplies
- pieces of furniture/electronic equipment
- electricity/gas bills
- clothes
- public transportation fares
or even something as simple as sharing your "precious" time to hear out their problems.

Try it once -- you'd be addicted to this act forever. Bear in mind, Allah works in His mysterious ways so don't expect instant rewards; and don't lose heart if tangible rewards of equal or better value are few and far between. Rest assured, on your death bed you'd be content.

[Ladies Man]

Originally Posted by Momo Not necessarily. After all Ladies Man is still a ladies' man (judging from his user name).

haha

OK, here's the catch: my user name here does epitomize to a certain extent my rather blessed existence when it comes to females, but for one reason or the other I keep losing each one of 'em in the long run.

I can't for the life of me figure out what it takes to seal the deal. I am sure it has something to do with me -- can't pinpoint exactly what it is

[Ladies Man]

Originally Posted by Keith Ladies Man: I salute you mate. Keep going along this path. I guarantee that you will be more fullfilled than you can ever imagine. You took, what appeared to be a small step, but let me tell you that it is a step that will change the rest of your life forever. Thank you.

Appreciate your kind words bro. You are a true gentleman at heart. I "double" salute you

May God continue to shower His blessings on you and your family. Amen.

[zam]

great message