In times of crisis, the simplest acts of kindness often leave the deepest impressions, reminding us of the power of sincere intentions and Allah's help. One such story unfolded on the streets of Egypt during the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Amid the chaos, there was a brief window when aid convoys were allowed to cross the border into Gaza to deliver much-needed supplies. Seizing this rare opportunity, an elderly and poor street vendor did something extraordinary. Though he had little to offer, he tossed a handful of oranges onto the aid trucks heading to Gaza, determined to share what he could with those in need. He repeated this action again and again, ensuring his small gift reached the people of Gaza.
What makes this story even more remarkable is that, while millions of dollars in aid encountered countless obstacles, this humble gesture of a few oranges made it through. The oranges reached their destination and were warmly received—not just as food, but as a powerful symbol of solidarity and hope, reminding the people of Gaza that they are not forgotten and that they matter to us.
This story teaches us that when good intentions are paired with trustworthy means, they can indeed receive divine help and blessings. It reminds us of the story of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) when he completed the construction of the Kaabah. Allah instructed him to call people to pilgrimage (Hajj), and Prophet Ibrahim said, "O Allah! How can my voice reach all these people?" Allah told him that his duty was only to give the call; it was up to Allah to make it reach the people. This profound lesson reminds us that our role is to act with sincere intentions, carefully choose the right channels—such as verifying the organizations we donate to—and then trust that Allah will take care of the rest.
When we donate to good causes, especially in places like Gaza or other conflict zones where aid is desperately needed, it's crucial that we ensure the organizations we support are reliable. Sadly, many well-intentioned donations don't reach those in need due to blockades, or other obstacles, or because they’ve been donated to "mushroom" organizations—groups that spring up quickly in times of crisis but lack the expertise and track record to work effectively in such challenging environments.
Staying informed and actively engaging with the charities we support is essential. By learning how our donations are being used and ensuring they reach their intended recipients promptly, we ensure that our good intentions lead to real impact. By choosing trustworthy and credible organizations, we can be confident that our donations make a meaningful difference—just like the oranges from the Egyptian vendor that reached Gaza.
The story of the Egyptian vendor shows us that even the smallest acts of kindness when done sincerely and through trustworthy channels, can make a difference. Let us be inspired to do our part, confident that our good intentions, with trust in Allah, can bring real change and hope to those who are in need.
Below, you'll find our donor checklist, which we hope will guide you in ensuring that your donations are used effectively and reach those who need them most.
As always, thank you for reading. Please remember to donate wisely. Until next time, Jazakallah Khair.
Rahimah Kashim
Practicing leader At Oktriz