Doors of Charity in Ramadan

Mandatory Charity during Ramadan

The majority of Islamic scholars have mandated the payment of Zakat al-Fitr during Ramadan. It has been reported from Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) that he said: “The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) ordained Zakat al-Fitr as a means of purifying the fasting person from frivolity and indecent speech, and as sustenance for the poor.” This charity serves as a cleansing act for the individual. Additionally, fulfilling the obligatory zakat during Ramadan is critically significant. Ibn Abbas further stated, “The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was the most generous of people, and he was even more generous in Ramadan when the Angel Gabriel would meet him every year during this month to discuss the Qur’an. When Gabriel met him, the Prophet (peace be upon him) was more generous than the flowing wind.” This narration highlights the immense reward for good deeds in Ramadan, which includes the payment of zakat. As a result, it is permissible for a Muslim to hasten in paying their zakat during this holy month, acknowledging its virtues. However, it’s crucial to note that if zakat becomes due before Ramadan, it should not be deferred to this month without a legitimate reason. For instance, if someone’s zakat is due in Rajab, they should not delay its payment until Ramadan unless there is a valid excuse. In circumstances where there is a calamity affecting the Muslim community, such as a pandemic or disaster, paying zakat in such times may yield greater merit than doing so in Ramadan due to the immediacy of the needs of the people.

Recommended Acts of Charity in Ramadan

Numerous creative initiatives can enhance the spirit of giving during Ramadan. While it is impossible to list all possibilities, here are some noteworthy suggestions:

Organizing iftar meals for those who are fasting.
Collecting used clothing, toys, books, and other usable items to distribute among the less fortunate.
Providing essential food packages that include dates, sugar, rice, and similar staples for those in need.
Offering iftar or suhoor meals at traffic signals and public spaces.
Contributing to the digging of water wells and supplying drinking water.
Supporting the construction of mosques.
Funding students of knowledge.
Printing and distributing copies of the Qur’an.
Assisting young people in getting married.
Sponsoring orphans and providing for their needs.

Direct Charity

Donating in Ramadan is highly encouraged, following the example of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Both the wealthy and the poor share the experience of hunger and the need for food during this month. However, while the rich may have tables laden with food and drink for iftar, the poor may find their tables empty. Thus, charitable acts serve to alleviate their hunger and provide comfort. This makes giving one of the most significant ways to draw closer to Allah (Exalted be He), especially during Ramadan.

Feeding Those Who Fast

Feeding others is a noble act of worship that was consistently observed by our righteous predecessors. This act is not limited to the poor but is applicable to all. Allah (Exalted be He) states: “And they give food, in spite of love for it, to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, [saying], ‘We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.'” The Prophet (peace be upon him) also said: “Whoever feeds a fasting person will have a reward like that of the fasting person, without decreasing the reward of the fasting person.” Numerous reports from the righteous predecessors illustrate their eagerness to break the fast of others.

Volunteering during Ramadan

Islam encourages and promotes voluntary actions. Allah (Exalted be He) states: “And whoever volunteers good – it is better for him.” These actions entail helping people meet their needs. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Every joint of the human body has a charity due on it for each day the sun rises. To be just between two people is a charity, assisting a man in riding his mount or lifting his belongings onto it is a charity, a good word is a charity, every step taken toward prayer is a charity, and removing harmful objects from the road is a charity.” Volunteering encompasses countless deeds, as any good action is counted as charity, especially when someone is unable to carry out their responsibilities. Such actions foster compassion among all people, either through financial support or by providing assistance, thereby strengthening the bonds of brotherhood within the community.

Moreover, the Prophet (peace be upon him) emphasized: “The Muslim is the brother of another Muslim; he does not wrong him nor does he abandon him. Whoever helps his brother in need, Allah will help him on the Day of Judgment.” This highlights the importance of alleviating the distress of fellow Muslims. Alleviating distress can be performed through financial aid, social status, or assistance, and often requires sharing advice and guidance. Acts of charity have numerous fruits, some of which include:

Purifying oneself and atoning for sins, as stated by Allah (Exalted be He): “Take, [O Muhammad], from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them to grow.”
Blessing and increasing one’s wealth, as Allah (Exalted be He) states: “And whatever you spend of anything, He will replace it; and He is the best of providers.”

Other Forms of Charity in Ramadan

There are various initiatives that fall under the umbrella of charity, including:

Purchasing miswaks to distribute among friends, family, and colleagues. This practice serves as a reminder of the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and encourages the user to reflect on the rewards they receive from this act of charity.
Buying special slippers for using restrooms in mosques, making it easier for individuals to enter them. This is a vital need in these locations, and purchasing these slippers can be viewed as alleviating a burden for a believer, earning the doer a reward as the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated: “Whoever alleviates a believer’s distress in this world, Allah will alleviate his distress on the Day of Judgment.”
Donating copies of the Qur’an as gifts, which is a profound act of benevolence. The one who guides others to good is like the one who performs it. Reading the Qur’an is among the virtuous deeds that elevate the believer’s rank; with each recitation by the recipient, the giver earns further reward, making it a form of ongoing charity.
Caring for orphans by providing for their needs such as food, education supplies, clothing, and basic living necessities enhances their comfort. This aligns with the virtues associated with caring for orphans as conveyed by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Utilizing time to remember Allah, which is a valuable form of charity, engaging one’s tongue in glorifying Him through takbir, tahleel, tasbeeh, and other beneficial dhikrs, all of which yield immense rewards.

Diversity of Good Deeds and Charity

Islamic teachings open the doors to numerous opportunities for good deeds; not limited to any single individual, whether rich or poor, strong or weak. Abu Dharr al-Ghifari (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that some people asked the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him): “O Messenger of Allah, the wealthy have taken all the rewards; they pray like us and fast like us, but they give charity with their surplus wealth.” The Prophet responded: “Isn’t there a charity for every expression of praise? Every takbir is a charity, every tahmid is a charity, every tahleel is a charity, enjoining good is a charity, forbidding what is wrong is a charity, and in the sexual intercourse of each of you there is a charity.” In another narration, he mentioned: “Every act of kindness is charity.” This underscores the need to hasten towards opportunities for good and to embrace every available deed, doing good in both speech and action, and dedicating oneself and resources toward performing acts of kindness, however small, drawing closer to Allah (Exalted be He).