Charity Day, Charity Week
There are numerous verses and hadiths in the culture and religion of Islam that emphasize the importance of charity and kindness. People can help and support other members of society every day. However, since 1369 SH (Solar Hijri calendar), the 14th of Esfand (the last month of the Iranian year) has been designated as Charity Day or Kindness Day, and Charity Week begins on that day and continues until the 21st of Esfand. Esfand is the final month of the Iranian year and is very close to the celebration of the New Year. Additionally, the 14th of Esfand is also celebrated as the establishment day of the Imam Khomeini Relief Committee. This is a charitable organization founded to support poor families in recovering their financial stability.
During this week, compassionate and generous people from various backgrounds and ages, including ordinary citizens, politicians, artists, athletes, and other figures, collaborate across Iran to assist fellow citizens and share their joy with the less fortunate. People collect money and give gifts to those in need and their children. They make sure that children receive new clothes and have enough suitable food at home to enjoy the New Year celebration. They believe that poverty should not deprive any family of the traditional Haft-Seen decoration for the Iranian New Year.
Charity Week is a celebration held to raise funds and gather donations such as clothing and food in cities across Iran. The Imam Khomeini Relief Committee sets up stationary and mobile booths and boxes. This organization is one of the most important organizations for helping those in need and conducts various extensive programs, including granting loans, assisting in creating new jobs, providing vocational training in fields such as handicrafts, preparing dowries for young girls, supporting women in need of assistance for their families, aiding patients and providing medical assistance, cultural services, housing provision, repairing areas damaged by natural disasters, and many other activities. This magnificent national celebration, alongside the gifts and collected money, serves other social and cultural functions, such as promoting compassion and supporting fellow human beings, and contributes to national unity.
