le Suspended Coffee

 
“  This story will warm you better than a coffee in a cold winter day !

We enter a little coffeehouse with a friend of mine and give our order. While we're approaching our table two people come in and they go to the counter :

'Five coffees, please. Two of them for us and three suspended'
They pay for their order, take the two and leave. I ask my friend:
'What are those 'suspended' coffees ?'
'Wait for it and you will see'
Some more people enter. Two girls ask for one coffee each, pay and go. The next order was for seven coffees and it was made by three lawyers - three for them and four 'suspended'. While I still wonder what's the deal with those 'suspended' coffees I enjoy the sunny weather and the beautiful view towards the square in front of the café. Suddenly a man dressed in shabby clothes who looks like a beggar comes in through the door and kindly asks
                     'Do you have a suspended coffee ?'                                           ”

♥

It's simple - people pay in advance for a coffee meant for someone who cannot afford a warm beverage. The tradition with the suspended coffees started in Naples, but it has spread all over the world and in some places you can order not only a suspended coffee, but also a sandwich or a whole meal.

Origins : The notion of café customers paying for ‘caffe sospeso’ ( ‘suspended coffees’ and ‘pending coffees’ ), drinks that can later be claimed for free by less fortunate patrons, is something that has been described as an old Italian tradition in various news and Internet accounts, although we can’t say how old or widespread the practice might actually be (inside or outside of Italy).

Somehow, this tradition is practiced as reported. There were Florence, Naples, Bulgaria, Washington and some other places.

Wouldn't it be wonderful to have such cafés or even grocery stores in every town where the less fortunate will find hope and support ?

While the concept might sounds great (and is indeed in practice at several restaurants), the truth is that the ‘suspended coffee’ model isn’t as humanitarian or convenient as it’s cracked up to be.

In the other hand, some perspectives reveal that it is not practical.

As they said, ‘suspended coffee’ doesn’t actually help homeless people. As it brings the awareness issue and how a coffee is not a balanced snack for poor and needy people. So, they suggest a sandwich instead.

The first issue is spreading awareness of such a program. Although those able to purchase suspended beverages are having their Facebook timelines and email inboxes inundated with this call to action, most homeless or at-risk people aren’t on social media.

 In other words, it’s hard to get the word out to the majority of people who would actually benefit from this free food and drinks.

Well I say, those people in needs doesn’t require all those social media for this awareness. How so? By just simply, the restaurants, café, grocery itself introducing the ‘suspended food or drinks’ programme. Just put a simple sign outside their store. People will have knowledge about it. Explain in the advertisement that people are freely to donate the ‘suspended food or drinks’ and for those who are in needs are welcome to enjoy it.

And as for the unbalanced diet, so? Donate a sandwich or other food as an easy snack. Coffee is just an origin idea from West because they need hot coffee because of the cold weather, but we can use the method and modified it in our own country. Add something in the  ‘suspended menu’ if you want. Think of a simple snack. That’s all !  ♥

Additionally, it’s difficult to monitor exactly who is receiving the donated coffee and/or food. If too many suspended items are purchased, the store may be left with a surplus that is given to preferred customers, or family and friends.

Also, dishonest individuals who hear about the programme but are not homeless or at-risk could ask for suspended coffee and the barista would be none the wiser.

Finally, what if there’s a shortage of ‘suspended coffee’ ? Homeless people might loiter outside establishments and congest customer traffic while waiting for a free drink or food.

Yeah, dishonest people are everywhere, but this way is just another way to make this world more colourful for the needy. Ignore the people who are irresponsible. It’s not worth it to care about them.

Hadith 36: Allah Helps Those Who Help Others

On the authority of Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) who said, ” Whoever relieves a believer’s distress of the distressful aspects of this world, Allah will rescue him from a difficulty of the difficulties of the Hereafter.

Whoever alleviates [the situation of] one in dire straits who cannot repay his debt, Allah will alleviate his lot in both this world and in the Hereafter.

Whoever conceals [the faults of] a Muslim, Allah will conceal [his faults] in this life and the Hereafter. Allah is helping the servant as long as the servant is helping his brother.

Whoever follows a path in order to seek knowledge thereby, Allah will make easy doe him, due to it, a path to Paradise. No people gather together in a house of the houses of Allah, reciting the Book of Allah and studying it among themselves, except that tranquility descended upon them, mercy covers them, the angels surround them and Allah makes mention of them to those in His presence.

Whoever is slowed by his deeds will not be hastened forward by his lineage.”
(Recorded in Muslim)

Imagine how beautiful this world would be if every creature done a good deed not only for himself but also for everyone else  ♥ ☺