By Haseeb Ashraf Shah
SRINAGAR: In the sacred month of Ramzan, Afiqa Ali, a 45-year-old woman from Pulwama, has been extending kindness through a simple yet profound act: providing free meals to patients and their families at the District Hospital Pulwama. Since the first day of fasting, she has ensured that those far from home receive nourishing food at Sehri and Iftar, offering comfort in a time of spiritual devotion and physical endurance.
Now residing in Dangerpora, Nowgam, Srinagar, Afiqa has dedicated her life to social service. With a Bachelor of Science degree, she formalised her philanthropic efforts by founding the JK Ansar ul Masakeen Trust in 2010. Her journey, however, began long before that. A defining moment in her life occurred on a bus journey when she encountered a woman unable to pay her child’s school fees. Deeply moved, she sold her gold jewellery to help. “That day, I realised even small acts of kindness can change lives,” she recalled.
Inspired by the legacy of organisations such as the Mother Teresa Foundation and the Wazir Lakhpat Rai Charitable Trust, Afiqa found her greatest motivation in the life of Hazrat Khatija ul Kubra, the wife of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). “Hazrat Khatija was a successful businesswoman who used her wealth to support the poor and the early Muslim community. Her life teaches me to serve humanity,” she said.
Women-Led Social Work
Through JK Ansar ul Masakeen Trust, Afiqa has established a free meal service at the hospital, ensuring patients and their families have access to healthy food. While some hospitals in Srinagar already provide similar services, they are largely run by men. Afiqa is the first woman to pioneer such an initiative, challenging gender norms and demonstrating the transformative power of women’s leadership in community service.
Her work not only alleviates the hardship of those in need but also inspires other women to take active roles in philanthropy. “Women can lead and make a difference,” she said, underscoring the broader impact of her initiative beyond the meals she serves.
The Power of Volunteers
Afiqa’s mission is sustained by a dedicated team of volunteers who assist in preparing and distributing meals, managing supplies, and ensuring smooth operations. For them, the work is more than an obligation; it is an opportunity to serve humanity. Shakeel Ahmad Mir, one of the volunteers, expressed his gratitude: “I am proud to be part of this cause. It brings immense satisfaction to work for such a meaningful purpose. I am also deeply thankful to Afiqa Ma’am for allowing me to contribute.”
For Afiqa, providing food is about more than sustenance; it is about restoring dignity and offering solace. “In a hospital, there is no distinction between rich and poor. Everyone is a patient, away from their family, in need of care. Through the food we serve, I want to make them feel at home,” she said.
A Nourishing Act of Kindness
In the month of Ramzan, when fasting from dawn to dusk is both a spiritual discipline and a communal practice, Afiqa Ali has taken it upon herself to ease the burdens of those in need. At District Hospital Pulwama, she provides free meals to patients and their families, ensuring that no one goes hungry while caring for their loved ones. Since the beginning of the holy month, she and her team have prepared and served food during Sehri and Iftar, offering a sense of warmth and community to those far from home.
Thoughtful Offerings
Afiqa ensures that the meals she serves are both nutritious and satisfying. The menu includes a variety of dishes, from meat and chicken to paneer and vegetables, tailored to meet the needs of patients and their attendants. She actively seeks feedback, adjusting meals when necessary. “I want to know if they need any changes in the food. Their comfort is my priority,” she said.
Beyond the main meals, Afiqa’s team provides essential refreshments, including tea, water, dates, and a traditional basil seed drink, babribyol, known for its cooling and soothing properties. These additional offerings reflect her commitment to ensuring not just sustenance but also a sense of care and dignity for those she serves.
Community Recognition
The initiative has been met with widespread appreciation. Patients and their families have expressed gratitude, recognising her work as a much-needed act of generosity. “During such challenging times, when families are far from home, Afiqa’s free meals are a blessing. It is not just food; it is a gesture of love and care,” said one attendant.
Afiqa, in turn, acknowledges the role of the hospital administration in facilitating her work. “I am grateful to the District Hospital Pulwama administration and officials who allowed us to serve here. Their support has made this possible,” she said.
Although her efforts have gained prominence during Ramzan, Afiqa is determined to continue providing free meals beyond the holy month. “Hunger does not end with Ramzan. We will keep this service running throughout the year, God willing,” she said.
