Muslim youth pauses Ramadan fast to donate stem cells, saves a life this Eid
Kolkata, March 20, 2026: In a moving example of compassion during the holy month of Ramadan, a 20-year-old youth from West Bengal chose to pause his fast to donate blood stem cells-helping save the life of a stranger and embodying the true spirit of Eid-ul-Fitr.
Mohammad Ashraf Ali’s journey began in 2022 with a chance encounter-a social media video on blood stem cell donation that prompted him to register as a donor with the DKMS Foundation India, a non-profit working to support patients battling blood cancers and serious blood disorders. At the time, it felt like a small, almost impulsive step.
Two years later, that decision proved life-changing.
Ashraf received a call informing him that he was a potential match for a patient in urgent need of a stem cell transplant. The timing, however, posed personal challenges. The donation was scheduled during Ramadan, when fasting is a key religious observance. Adding to this was his long-standing fear of needles.
Yet, for Ashraf, the choice was clear.
“When I learned I might be the only match, nothing else mattered,” he said, explaining that for him, Ramadan is not only about fasting and prayer, but also about making meaningful, ethical choices. He believed that saving a life aligned deeply with the values of the holy month.
A past family experience further strengthened his resolve. Having seen a close relative battle a serious health condition, Ashraf understood the importance of timely medical help. With the support of his mother and after addressing concerns within his family, he went ahead with the procedure, overcoming his fears in the process.
His act has drawn attention to a larger issue-the urgent need for stem cell donors in India. Medical experts point out that while a small percentage of patients find matching donors within their families, a vast majority rely on unrelated donors. Despite this, only a tiny fraction of India’s eligible population is currently registered.
Health advocates say stories like Ashraf’s can help bridge this gap by encouraging more people to come forward. Individuals aged 18 to 55, in good health, are eligible to register as potential donors.
As families across the country celebrate Eid with warmth and gratitude, Ashraf’s gesture stands out as a powerful reminder: sometimes, the most meaningful acts of giving happen quietly-offering not just hope, but a second chance at life.
City Today News 9341997936
City Today News 
You must be logged in to post a comment.