Ramadan fundraiser to support women’s and newborn health

‘Allah grants the same reward to him who gives a fasting person to break the fast a mere date or a drink of water or a sip of milk.’

It was with this hadith (saying) of the Prophet Muhammad in mind that Westmead Medical Research Foundation greeted Muslim staff and visitors with a bottle of water and three dates in the hospital reception last week.

Friday is a holy day and Ramadan the most holy month in Islam, during which worshippers will fast between dawn to sunset in order to commemorate the first revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad.

Imam Anwar Albarq led Friday prayers, and encouraged those gathered to donate to Women’s and Newborn Health at Westmead Hospital.

“It is my duty as a Muslim to support any good cause,” Anwar said.

“Helping others is very encouraged in our traditions and donating is highly recommended, especially in the month of Ramadan.”

Those in attendance donated more than $1000 to Westmead Medical Research Foundation on Friday after prayers, and aim to raise $20,000 in total throughout Ramadan.

The Imam explained they always collect for a good cause, and recently raised money for the victims of the terror attacks in Sri Lanka.

The Ramadan fundraiser for Women’s and Newborn Health was the brainchild of Afrah Fazli, executive assistant to the director of Corporate Communications.

“Protecting the family unit is a core value in Islam. The care of women and children is especially highly regarded,” Afrah said.

“Ramadan is one of the best times of the year to give Sadaqa – charity. Not only is the religious reward higher, the feeling of doing something great for my fellow mothers and their babies is deeply satisfying.”

The fundraiser will continue throughout Ramadan, which ends this year on June 4, and will go toward purchasing devices including a foetal monitor used for listening to an unborn baby’s heartbeat, and a transcutaneous bilirubinometer used for measuring the jaundice level of a newborn.

To make a gift to support patient care at Westmead Hospital, visit wmrf.org.au, call 1800 639 037 or email wmrf@wmrf.org.au.