Significance of charity during Ramadan

Islam teaches us that giving charity is associated with higher rewards. This is an opportunity for believers to extend their helping hand and help disadvantaged people.

The Prophet Mohammad once said, “The shadow of the believers of the Resurrection Day will be his charity.” Al-Tirmidhi

Giving charity will meet the needs of those who are not as privileged as you. Many organizations come up with charitable initiatives not only during Ramadan but throughout the year.

These are in the form of Iftar camps, care packs for all important groceries, Suhur drives and so on. Play your part and provide money to charity organizations. However, it would be best if you become a part of such initiatives to help the poor or underprivileged people.

The Prophet Mohammad stated that “The upper hand is better than the lower hand. The upper hand is the hand of a giver, and the lower hand is the hand of a beggar.” Sahih Bukhari

Being a part of the charity initiatives is a great way to spend your money. It is the only right way that may bring blessings for you both in the world and the life after death. Most importantly no one should forget that charity begins at home. So, you should consider giving a significant amount or a care package to your house.

The more we give, the richer we will be in both this world and the afterlife. Being a source of salvation for his creation helps us seek the atonement for the sins we have committed and enhances our blessings.

There is no doubt that charities will reduce the need. In this world, the act of giving charity can be armor that protects you from the evil eye.

Prevention is better than cure. Therefore, we should not simply wait for calamities or trials from Allah to give us charity. Spend some amount each month in good faith to earn rewards from Allah. Allah states in the Holy Quran:

ٱلَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ أَمْوَٰلَهُم بِٱلَّيْلِ وَٱلنَّهَارِ سِرًّا وَعَلَانِيَةً فَلَهُمْ أَجْرُهُمْ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ وَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ

Meaning: Those who secretly and openly spend their wealth (on the way of Allah) day and night will be rewarded by their Lord. And there will be no fear for them, nor do they grieve. Surah Baqarah: 274

Donating a portion of your income to a charity, also known as Sadaqah, will show you how Allah can make some things easier for you, especially during Ramadan.

Islam also mandated Zakat (2.5% of additional wealth) for privileged believers. Show thanks to Allah for increasing your income or valuables by giving to charity. It serves as a reminder that all the blessings we have in this world are brought to us by Allah’s will. When we are blessed with more, it means that Allah wants us to spend more in his way.

Charity takes many forms. Any act that is a source of relief for others is considered charity. This includes simple gestures like smiling at others to provide monetary benefits to the poor.

Being kind to people and always being there for them when they need your help the most is also charity. Even planting trees is considered charity because someone can benefit from their shade and you will get their reward.

The Prophet Muhammad said, “Giving charity is done by each person every day as the sun rises: to do what is right between two people is to give charity; to help a man with his mount, to lift him up on it or to lift his effects upon it, is a charity; A good word is giving, and leaving the harmful out of the way is giving.” Al-Bukhari, Muslim

Let’s hope to make this holy month of Ramadan more effective for ourselves by giving to Allah in monetary and non-monetary forms.

ARR