Charity can begin with the smallest of gestures

You don't always need to go extra miles to do charity. Where there's a will there is a way, says Rym Ghazal

Besides the blessing from charity on a special occasion, the sense of joy for everyone involved is priceless. AP Photo

With the arrival of a heatwave, it’s become harder to keep one’s spirits up. At a time of year when a charitable smile is often sorely needed, people are rushing about in the heat and are generally quite irritable.

But we have been there before, and we have made it through. With Ramadan just around the corner, this month of giving and fasting is going to be an even greater challenge this year.

But that is what makes it interesting. How do you find ways to work hard, give back and be kind when all you want to do is to sleep in air-conditioned comfort? Searching the net and asking friends for ideas, I came across a social media post about how a Saudi woman donated her wedding money to an African village to help build a well.

With numerous stories on the costs of weddings and how young couples get into debt trying to“upstage” each other, here was a person who changed the lives of a village through a generous gesture. Sure, every woman wants a memorable wedding, but it can be that without being lavish and too expensive.

Besides the blessing from charity on a special occasion, I am sure the sense of joy for everyone involved is priceless.

You don’t have to go all the way to Africa to do something good. It can begin at home in your neighbourhood.

My favourite way is putting out a bowl of water for any small creature that happens to pass by. It is always used. Giving any living creature water is a great act of mercy and charity.

It is at this time of year that we all really appreciate having running water and the ability to shower when we want. But we often forget this when we get caught up in the heatwave and the extra burdens it brings. Some however take this time to be extra diligent and creative.

A friend started carrying an extra small bottle of water that she names, the “charity bottle”.

One time I was in the car with her and saw her give a bottle to the man who had just filled up her car at a petrol station.

“You have a difficult job,” she said, giving a tip and the cold bottled water. It was a nice surprise for the man who smiled back and thanked her. She has inspired me to do the same now.

Walking to a meeting across the street, I saw someone pull out their newspaper and give it to an older person who was struggling walking under the sun. The newspaper ended up being used as a kind of makeshift umbrella.

It took a few seconds, but the smiles exchanged between the two were contagious.

At the same time, many missed seeing this as they were looking for a shade or looking down at their smart phones.

A cashier told me the other day how she misses talking to people as she scans items.

“Customers stand and type on their phones, they don’t even look at us any more, except when they need to pay,” she said, adding that she made a funny face once and no one noticed as all the customers were looking at their phones at the time.

I am sure that those who work hard in unglamorous jobs appreciate these little gestures: a simple hello, how are you or a comment on their jewellery or hair. These things make a difference. I have experienced it.

I commented on a bracelet once, a very small cute plastic one, and the next time I went to the same store, the shop assistant had an extra one for me. I was shocked she even remembered me.

No one likes preachy columns in newspapers, but sometimes I hope they help remind us of our obligations.

I know I needed reminding as I was rushing around recently, melting in the sun and forgetting to smile and enjoy life around me.

On Twitter:@arabianmau