Beyond Faith: Al-Habibiyyah Ramadan Food Bank Initiative Fosters Unity, Targets 2, 500 Beneficiaries Daily
In a remarkable demonstration of interfaith harmony and social responsibility, the Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society has once again reinforced the essence of compassion through its Ramadan Food Bank initiative.
The feeding programme, which targets 2,500 daily beneficiaries at a cost of ₦1,750 per meal, transcends mere charity—it embodies a broader mission of unity, religious tolerance, and shared humanity.
At the heart of this initiative is a powerful Islamic teaching from Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), as recorded in Tirmidhi, stating:
“Whoever feeds a fasting person will earn the same reward as him without diminishing in any way the reward of the fasting person.”
This principle was vividly upheld on the sixth day of Ramadan, as Al-Habibiyyah feeding programme attracted not only thousands of fasting Muslims but also high-profile Christian leaders, including representatives from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). Their presence underscored the idea that Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity, and that religious harmony is possible through shared experiences and mutual understanding.
One of the CAN leaders, a well-known advocate for interfaith dialogue across Africa, expressed his admiration for the initiative.
He emphasized the importance of breaking down barriers of suspicion and conflict, arguing that religious literacy and close interactions are key to fostering peace.
“How do you understand other people if you don’t come closer to them?” he posed. “The Bible teaches that we are all created in God’s image. It is only through shared love and respect that we can truly live out our faith.”
Similarly, the National Chief Imam of Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society, Sheikh Fu’ad Adeyemi, expressed gratitude to all donors and volunteers, highlighting the feeding program’s role in promoting compassion, inclusivity, and social welfare.
He reiterated Islam’s emphasis on charity, as reflected in the pillar of Zakat, which mandates that those who have should support those in need.
Beyond the daily provision of meals, the Ramadan Food Bank has become a beacon of hope for the less privileged. With efficient coordination, committed volunteers, and exceptional crowd management, the initiative is now regarded as a model for social intervention.
More than just a feeding initiative, Al-Habibiyyah’s efforts send a powerful message: that religion should not divide, but rather unite. As Nigerians continue to navigate challenges of ethnic and religious diversity, projects like this demonstrate that faith, when practiced with love and service, can be a unifying force rather than a dividing line.
For many, this event was not just about breaking fast together—it was about breaking barriers.
