Charity has great significance in Islam, especially charity during Ramadan. Allah (SWT) says in the Quran:
“So, for those of you who have believed and spent (in Allah’s way), there is a big reward.”
[Al-Hadid 57:7]
According to another verse:
“And spend (in charity) of that with which we have provided you before death comes to one of you and he says: “My Lord! If only you would delay me for a brief term (to the worldly life) so I would give Sadaqah (charity) of my wealth and be among the righteous”. [63:10]
The Benefits of Charity in Ramadan
Giving charity during Ramadan is a commendable act of worship. The month of Ramadan brings innumerable blessings for believers with a promise of divine forgiveness and redemption. Ramadan donations that are performed in the holy month contain greater virtue than those accomplished at other times of the year. Charity in Ramadan brings Muslims these benefits as well as increased blessing and acceptance of Allah (SWT). This is the reason why many Muslims donate more Sadaqah and Zakat this month in the hope of a magnified reward.
Charity in Ramadan Hadith
The example of the Prophet (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is the source of encouragement for believers when it comes to Ramadan charity and Ramadan giving. According to the following hadith, the Prophet’s charity during Ramadan used to increase significantly. In an authentic report, Ibne Abbas mentioned that his charity used to take on a special dimension in the fasting month and resembled ‘strong winds’.
“Allah’s Messenger was the most generous of all the people and he used to be more generous in the month of Ramadan when Angel Jibril would meet him to read Quran with him, the messenger of Allah would be most generous, even more generous than the fair winds.”
[Al-Bukhari]
Charity in Ramadan Hadith should be given with sincere intention to help the needy for the sake of Allah (SWT). A believer’s Sadaqah will be a source of much-needed shade on the day of judgment. The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said:
“There are seven whom Allah, may He be Exalted, will shade with His shade on the Day when there will be no shade except His … A man who gives charity and conceals it to the extent that his left hand does not know what his right hand is giving.” (Bukhari 1423)
Types of Charity
There are many ways to perform charitable deeds during the month of Ramadan. From donations for Ramadan to giving to charity in Ramadan, you can receive blessings through giving in the holy month.
Sadaqah can be given in several ways, which include giving money to the needy, sharing a smile or saying a good word to another Muslim, feeding the hungry, reciting recommended dua and azkar, extending good advice, looking after an animal, and helping someone in need of assistance. The Messenger of Allah (SAW) is reported to have said,
“Charity is due upon every joint of the people for every day upon which the sun rises. Justly reconciling two people is charity. Helping a man with his animal and lifting his luggage upon it is charity. A kind word is charity. Every step that you take towards the mosque is charity, and removing harmful things from the road is charity.” [Sahih Al-Bukhari 2989]
Every beneficial act that would help the community in any way is Sadaqah. You can give Sadaqah by supporting the provision of education in a deprived area, donating towards the construction of a mosque, building a water well and sponsoring an orphan.
How to Give Charity in Ramadan
In addition to this, Ramadan charity can be given in ways that are exclusive to the holy month. It can be done by feeding the fasting in the form of contributions towards public Iftar meals at Mosques or other community venues. You can also donate food items to food banks near you or support any charitable organisation by donating towards Iftar packs or food parcels. A hadith of the Prophet (SAW) commends this act in the following words:
“Whoever gives iftar to one who is fasting will have a reward like his, without that detracting from the reward of the fasting person in the slightest.” [Timithy, 807]
Apart from giving Iftar, there are other kinds of donations specific to Ramadan. These include Fidya, Kaffarah and Zakat-al-Fitr. You can pay these Ramadan charities on your behalf to Charity Meals and earn rewards in abundance. Many Muslims also pay Sadaqah and Zakat in the holy month because of the magnitude of the promised reward. Though these can be paid any time of the year, giving charity in Ramadan has a special significance. Follow the example of the Prophet (SAW) and increase your generosity during the holy month.
Our Ramadan Charity Appeal
Give your Ramadan charity by supporting Charity Meals’ Ramadan Food Parcel Appeal by donating Iftar and Suhoor food packs for families in need. For £30, you can support a family of five for the whole month. Donate generously and help those suffering from hunger this Ramadan.
Respond to other Ramadan appeals by giving your Fidya and Kaffarah to Charity Meals. Fulfil your religious obligation by spending on those in need. Your donation in the month of Ramadan will raise your status as a believer while helping those in desperate need of substantial aid. Contribute to one of the vital campaigns of Charity Meals and help save lives.
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