Helping our neighbors always a good thing
On March 11 Muslims across the globe commenced the holy month of Ramadan, a month of fasting and spiritual rejuvenation. It is narrated that during this month, the Holy Prophet Muhammad would generously increase his efforts to help the poor and needy. The practice of fasting during Ramadan is to promote empathy for the less fortunate. As a result, Muslims are encouraged to be more generous and feed the needy.
The founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, said, “Allah the Almighty repeatedly commands that, irrespective of religion or ethnicity, you should show love and compassion to all people. Allah commands us to feed the hungry, free those shackled in bondage, pay off the arrears of those mired in debt, shoulder the burdens of others and fulfil the rights of sincere love owed to mankind.”
In Connecticut, it is estimated that 380,000 residents struggle with hunger, of which 83,000 are children. I have therefore pledged to donate every day this month of Ramadan to a different organization in Connecticut that is helping feed the poor and needy. This is just my small part in trying to help my neighbors and fulfill their rights. I encourage everyone, whether Muslim or not, to join me in this effort by making a small donation to help our neighbors this month, and throughout the year.
Ijaz Ahmed, West Hartford
What if men needed these products?
I read the article, “Tampons in schools stir debate” [March 11, Page 1], and it is a sad state of affairs when there is not even tolerance, much less respect, for our differences as shown by the feminine products machine being destroyed almost immediately. As a nurse who has substituted in schools, I might suggest these items be made available in safe zones like the nurse ‘s office, guidance office or even main office so students can obtain them safely and discreetly. Lastly, it struck me that I’ve never met a machine that worked. Would this be the case if men needed these products? But that’s a whole other letter.
Jessica Lewis, New Britain
GOP uses tragic death as political opportunism
I can certainly understand the anger and upset that the GOP is expressing concerning the tragic death of Laken Riley by an undocumented immigrant. They were all wearing buttons at the State of the Union address and Marjorie Taylor Greene was even shouting out Laken’s name during President Joe Biden’s address.
I share their grief. But upon reflection, it appears yet again that this has more to do with political opportunism than actual grief. I know some will consider my opinion outrageous, but I have just one question to ask. Where was the outrage and where were the buttons, where was former President Donald Trump when scores of innocent Americans, like Laken Riley, were gunned down by U.S. citizens carrying semi-automatic rifles?
Mass killings have been an almost weekly occurrence in this country, but instead of buttons and outrage, we get useless “thoughts and prayers.” Semi-automatic rifles are killing machines. They really serve no other purpose, yet one can buy one easily. It takes more to get a driver’s license in this country (registration and a test) than it does to buy a weapon that is designed to maim and kill. How many buttons would one have to wear if you consider the Uvalde and Newtown schools and the Las Vegas concert?
John F. Berky, Windsor
