Giving Charity in Ramadan

The act of giving charity is very important in Islam, both during Ramadan and all around the year. Giving charity can be in many forms, donating money, donating materials like food or clothing, helping another person, or even smiling. In Islam, one of the Pillars of Islam is Zakat, which is a compulsory tax that each eligible Muslim pays on their wealth (2.5%). Giving Zakat, as well as other charity like Sadaqah and Lillah, makes us more grateful for our blessings and enables us to help others who are less fortunate. These types of charity can all be given at any time during the year, with Zakat being given at a specific time, but this time is different for everyone depending on their financial status and own calculated date to give it.

Giving charity is very rewarding for the giver: ’Blessed is the wealth of the Muslim, from which he gives to the poor, the orphan and the wayfarer’. [Muslim]

Sadaqah: the Concept of Voluntary Charity in Islam

Sadaqah means ‘righteousness’, and it refers to the act of giving while expecting nothing in return. Sadaqah is a voluntary form of charity, unlike Zakat, which is obligatory. Sadaqah can also take several forms, including helping the poor and needy or smiling.

What is Lillah?

Lillah means ‘for Allah’, which means that this type of charity is given solely for the sake of Allah (SWT). This is also a voluntary charity. This type of charity is given to institutions as opposed to individuals; for example, it can be given to an orphanage or mosque.

Charitable Acts to Do

Here are some charitable acts you can try to do this Ramadan to reap the rewards of this blessed month:

• Visit your neighbour – speak to them and help them, especially if they are elderly.
• Feed the poor – donate to a charity that gives food to the needy.
• Provide Iftar for family and friends or your community - The Prophet (PBUH) said, ‘Whoever feeds a person breaking his fast will earn the same reward as him, without anything being lessened from the reward of the fasting person’. [Tirmidhi]
• Donate to a charity to help those in need around the world, including orphans - The Prophet (PBUH) said, ‘The one who cares for an orphan and myself will be together in Paradise like this’, and he (PBUH) held his two fingers together to illustrate. [Bukhari]
• Smile! This, too, is an act of charity.

Rewards of Giving in Ramadan

Giving charity in Ramadan is more important than in other months due to this month being blessed. In the last 10 days of this month, one of the odd nights is Laylatul Qadr, the Night of Power, and on this night, it is important to worship Allah (SWT) as much as possible and to seek forgiveness. This can be done through giving to charity.

The Prophet, upon him, be peace, said: “The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his charity.” (Al-Tirmidhi)

Donate to Orphans in Need

Donate to Orphans in Need this Ramadan to help families, widows, and orphans around the world. The Prophet, upon him, be peace, said: “Give charity without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity.” (Al-Tirmidhi)