His Eminence Dr. Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al Haddad, Grand Mufti and Director of the Ifta Department at the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai, called on all members of society to contribute to the “Stop Hunger” campaign to save 5 million children from dying of hunger. The campaign was launched by His Highness Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, may God protect him, in conjunction with the holy month of Ramadan. The campaign aims to raise at least AED 1 billion, to be invested in implementing sustainable programs and projects that combat child hunger worldwide.
The “Stop Hunger” campaign falls under the umbrella of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives and focuses particularly on children facing the most severe forms of hunger in the world’s most vulnerable communities, especially in disaster, crisis, and conflict zones, where five children under the age of five die every minute due to malnutrition and hunger.
A Humanitarian Campaign
Dr. Al Haddad said that the “Stop Hunger” campaign launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is a great humanitarian initiative aimed at saving the lives of children worldwide who suffer from famine and malnutrition, leading to disease, death, or physical and mental disabilities. These children number more than 100 million globally.
He added that this alarming humanitarian situation affecting these young children—who are meant to become the men and women shaping the future—makes it a human, Islamic, and moral duty to unite efforts to save their lives through food, medicine, clothing, and education. They are honored human beings in the sight of Allah and our brothers and sisters in humanity. Whoever knows their condition and remains inactive is falling short of the duties of human brotherhood, which does not befit anyone capable of helping and saving them.
A Great Initiative
Dr. Al Haddad continued that His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has addressed the root of the pain through this great initiative during this blessed month—a time for competing in good deeds and seeking Allah’s pleasure through charitable giving. People are encouraged to contribute sincerely, offering their donations as a means of drawing closer to Allah, who accepts charity and multiplies its reward.
He cited the hadith: “Whoever gives charity equal to a date from lawful earnings—Allah accepts only what is lawful—Allah will accept it with His Right Hand and nurture it for its giver, as one of you nurtures his foal, until it becomes like a mountain.” This is a transaction with Allah, who multiplies rewards many times over.
He also referenced the verse: “If you lend Allah a good loan, He will multiply it for you and forgive you; and Allah is Most Appreciative, Most Forbearing.” He added that contributing to this campaign is truly saving human lives, as Allah says: “Whoever saves a life, it is as if he has saved all of mankind.” Failing to contribute despite awareness and ability is, in effect, contributing to their harm, which is neither religiously nor morally acceptable.
The Month of Generosity
He further stated that the “Sheikh of Generosity” has opened the door to relieving the suffering of these deprived children. Whoever does good for them does good for himself, for Allah loves the doers of good. Whoever delays despite having the ability harms only himself, especially in this blessed month when good deeds are multiplied. Ramadan is the month of generosity and giving, and the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was even more generous in Ramadan than the blowing wind.
He encouraged giving, recalling the Prophet’s sayings:
“Protect yourselves from the Fire even with half a date in charity.”
“Charity extinguishes sin as water extinguishes fire.”
“Treat your sick through charity and protect your wealth through zakat.”
Racing Toward Good Deeds
Dr. Al Haddad concluded by reminding that Allah calls upon us to race toward good deeds and forgiveness, as stated in the Qur’an: “So compete in good deeds; to Allah you will all return.” And: “And hasten to forgiveness from your Lord and a Paradise as wide as the heavens and the earth, prepared for the righteous—those who spend in ease and in hardship…”
He emphasized that His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid has opened a door for people to compete in goodness through this initiative. The Prophet (peace be upon him) promised that whoever initiates a good practice in Islam will have its reward and the reward of those who follow it without diminishing their reward in the least. He prayed that Allah reward His Highness abundantly on behalf of these suffering children and their families.