For Muslims across the world Ramadan is one of the holiest months in the Islamic calendar. It is a particularly special month to reflect, pray and to give to charity.
For one ten-year-old boy it is particularly special, as he will be observing his first Ramadan. Along with abstaining from food and water from sunrise to sunset, 10-year-old Zaavier Khan from East London, is passionate about charity and so is using this opportunity to make a difference to those who need it the most.
A 2016 report by the Charity Commission estimated that UK Muslims donated £100 million during Ramadan, working out at £8 per second. The amount donated in years since is likely to have risen, as charities like Human Appeal have helped more and more people both in the UK and abroad.
In 2020 Human Appeal handed out over 4,500 food parcels to people in need and have their sights set on more this year. Their ambition caught the eye of Zaavier, who decided he wanted to properly observe his first Ramadan, by fasting and raising money for Human Appeal’s UK Food Parcel project.
As Ramadan began Zaavier and his mum Tahreem started producing a video diary of his first Ramadan. The videos involve Zaavier making iftar meals with top chefs and family members, as well as talking about the ups and downs of Ramadan as he experiences it for the first time.
Zaavier said: “I really wanted to show that Ramadan was all about giving back to your community, so for my first time fasting I’ll be raising money for Human Appeal’s UK food parcels.
“I am choosing to fast, but so many people just don’t have anything to eat. I think it’s important to make sure they have food to eat and I want to raise awareness of what Ramadan is about and what Human Appeal is doing.”
Zaavier has already raised close to £2,000, since launching his Ramadan campaign. He hopes to reach a target of £5,000. If you want to help support Zaavier’s cause then you can donate here
