RESTAURATEUR'S EXTREME CHARITY GOES VIRAL

In Matthew 25:34-35, Christ says, “...Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home." (NLT)

These are troubling times. America is plagued by a president who encourages extreme behavior motivation by hate, intolerance, and discrimination. Fortunately, there are still people who encourage charity, tolerance, and love.

Kazi Mannan, the owner of the Sakina Grill located a few blocks away from the White House in Washington D.C., practices extreme charity. He provides free meals to anyone in need, no matter the race, age, or gender. The only requirement is hunger.

His greatest inspiration is his mother after whom he named his restaurant. Her faith drove her to be generous to the less fortunate, even in times when her own family struggled. Poverty plagued his home country of Pakistan, but they relied on God to provide. That generosity and faith live in Mannan to date.

Mannan says, “As a Muslim-American and small business owner I live in fear of a Trump America. He is a real threat to our democracy. But, my heart is pure. I will continue to believe in the goodness of humanity and remain hopeful in the unity of people. I hope my message reaches all leaders of the world, not just President Trump.” ( DAILY KOS)

However difficult it is to divert attention away from the selfishness taught by the White House, we must open our eyes to more deserving role models. Mannan is a small business owner and an immigrant, but his heart is big. Let his message inspire us all to be more generous in our lives.