Turkey’s Mosque Turned into a ‘Supermarket’ for the Needy

In a mosque in Istanbul, the racks on which shoes were usually kept now have pasta packets, oil bottles, biscuits and other items like a supermarket. However, these items are not for sale but are provided free of cost to those in need who are infected with the corona virus.

A poster outside the mosque encourages people to keep some items, as well as a message to carry essential items for the needy. The idea of helping the deserving through a place of worship came to 33-year-old Imam Abdul Samad of a mosque in the Sierra area of Istanbul when Turkey suspended prayer meetings to stop the spread of the virus.

Corona virus has so far infected 98,674 people and killed 2,376 in Turkey. The young imam said that after the ban on prayer gatherings, he came up with the idea of gathering rich people to help the needy and there were piles of food and drink in the mosques. So they picked up the items and placed them in order in the racks at the entrance of the mosque, and they did so inspired by the welfare stone used in the Ottoman Caliphate.

It should be noted that in the system of the Ottoman Caliphate, in order to help the needy in a dignified manner without embarrassment, people used to leave their money on the welfare stone as per their wish, after which the needy would withdraw the money according to their need. The rest were left to others.

In this regard, a philanthropist said that inspired by our ancestors, we decided to fill the mosque racks together with our brothers. A list has been hung on the wall of the mosque where people write their name and telephone number. The imam sends this list to the local administration who checks whether they are really in need.

After verification, a message is sent to these people that they can come to the mosque and take whatever they want and they can take 8 things. A maximum of two people enter the mosque at a time while the rest stand outside waiting for their turn. The mosque has been working for two weeks and so far 120 people are being helped in this way daily. Donations are not received but are asked to be delivered.

Also Read: Vitamin D & Corona Virus