Transforming Missed Days into a Catalyst for Social Change

Every missed day of Ramadan can serve as a catalyst not only for fulfilling a spiritual duty but also for meeting a social obligation when it comes to helping those in need. The beginning of this journey is marked by sincere intention and a willingness to overcome any obstacles that hinder the fulfillment of these duties. Above all, it is important that the charitable act stems from genuine motivations – not merely as a means of atonement, but as effective assistance to those facing difficult life circumstances. Such an approach unites personal spiritual cleansing with active engagement in solving material problems.

The next step is to broaden the forms of support. Charity is not confined to a one-time financial contribution. Effective help also includes moral support, inspiration to confront life’s challenges, professional advice, and organizational assistance aimed at improving the living conditions of the needy. When assistance is comprehensive, its impact is felt much more deeply, giving people not just a temporary respite but a real opportunity to change their future.

Finally, the scale of the problem requires skillful allocation of resources, where even the smallest efforts can yield significant results. Proper planning and rational organization can help cover a vast number of people, even if the available resources fall short of ideal expectations. This concept is reminiscent of a striking image from nature, where well-distributed supplies can feed an entire community — an idea that inspires and underscores that thoughtful stewardship of blessings can change the lives of millions.

Thus, when sincerity, a comprehensive approach, and skillful resources distribution merge, charity becomes not just an obligation, but a powerful tool in addressing social problems, helping those in need feel society’s care and assurance in a better tomorrow.


How can the obligation to feed a poor person for each missed day of Ramadan be fulfilled given the potentially large number of needy individuals?

To address the challenge of fulfilling the obligation to feed the poor for each missed day of fasting (in this case, during Ramadan) in the face of many needy people, a comprehensive approach is essential—one that combines righteous intention with rational resource allocation.

Firstly, it is necessary to adhere to principles that ensure the proper fulfillment of the charitable duty. As noted in one source: “In order to adopt the method of fulfilling the obligation to feed the poor for the missed fasting days, one must follow some important principles. Firstly, it is essential to sincerely repent and strive to remove all obstacles that impede the observance of the fast. Secondly, it is important to remember that charity should be performed not only for the forgiveness of one’s sins but also out of concern for those in need. As the church teaches, every act of charity should be carried out with a pure heart, conscience, and the genuine intention to help one’s neighbor.” (Source: link )

Secondly, the support provided needs to go beyond merely distributing financial aid. As another source highlights, “The poor can and should be supported in various ways. If a believer has sufficient financial means, they can help the hungry, the destitute, the sick, and those in need. It is important to remember that charity should not be limited to material aid alone. It is also crucial to offer spiritual support, comfort, inspiration towards the righteous path, assistance in finding employment, and to create all necessary conditions for a fulfilling life.” (Source: link ) Such a multifaceted approach not only feeds the needy but also secures a sustainable exit from their hardship.

Thirdly, the scale of the problem necessitates a skillful distribution of resources. An illustrative comparison from one source perfectly highlights this point: “A badger stuffs its burrow with as much corn as it needs for the winter. ... In other words, a ‘rich’ badger could feed one hundred hungry badgers in a day, while a rich person could feed thirty-six million people in a day.” (Source: link ) This image illustrates that even with limited resources, proper organization and rational distribution of charity can reach a significantly larger number of people.

Thus, the obligation to feed the poor for each missed day of Ramadan, even when faced with a large number of needy individuals, can be met by combining sincere intention, a multi-tiered support system for those in need, and well-thought-out resource distribution. Such a system not only meets material needs but also provides comprehensive support to those who need it most.

Supporting citation(s):
"To adopt the method of fulfilling the obligation to feed the poor for the missed fasting days, one must follow some important principles. Firstly, it is essential to sincerely repent and strive to remove all obstacles that impede the observance of the fast. Secondly, it is important to remember that charity should be performed not only for the forgiveness of one’s sins but also out of concern for those in need. As the church teaches, every act of charity should be carried out with a pure heart, conscience, and the genuine intention to help one’s neighbor." (source: link )

"A badger stuffs its burrow with as much corn as it needs for the winter. A European billionaire, ... In other words, a ‘rich’ badger could feed one hundred hungry badgers in a day, while a rich person could feed thirty-six million people in a day." (source: link )