Ramadan: 5 Reasons why charity is so important in this blessed month

Ramadan is one of the holiest times of the year for over one billion individuals around the globe.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sawa) and the infallible Imams (as) greatly emphasized the benefits of this blessed month and its importance.  Within the Holy Qur’an, the month of Ramadan is referenced as follows:  

‘The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Qur’an was sent down as guidance to mankind, with manifest proofs of guidance and the Distinguisher.’ Holy Qur’an (2:185)  

Therefore, not only is this a blessed month to reap rewards, but it is also one to reflect on the guidance provided to us and to implement their principles in our daily lives. Amongst these principles, is the importance of giving charity and supporting those in need.

In this post, we will outline five reasons why charity is so important, particularly in the holy month of Ramadan!  

1. The Holy Prophet (sawa) says so!  

On the last Friday of Sha’ban, Prophet Muhammad (sawa) delivered a speech to prepare the ummah for the coming of Ramadan. Within this speech he said,  

‘…give alms to the needy and poor, honour your old, show kindness to the young ones, maintain relations with your blood relations…’  

Emphasizing the importance of charity in this holy month. Importantly, he not only mentioned giving financial contributions to those in need but also kind acts such as honouring our elders, supporting the young ones in the community and being kind to our family! 

2. It is a month wherein all good acts are even better, including charity!  

The Prophet (sawa) said, ‘The best act of charity is carried out in the month of Ramadan.’ 

Why would we not then make it a priority to give in this holy month?  

3. Fasting helps us empathize with those who live in poverty without sufficient food.  

When we are hungry and thirsty at the end of a very long day we get to at least look forward to having a nice meal and cold drink to break our fast. Unfortunately, when we reflect and realize that hundreds of millions around the globe do not share the same luxury of food security, we can become more empathetic to their struggles. When we realize that we are only hungry for a set period of time but others may remain hungry for days or months uncertain of when they will be fully satiated it can remind us to share with those in need. 

4. It is a month to reflect and implement the teachings of the Qur’an  

The Qur’an states:  

“Worship none but God; be virtuous toward parents, kinsfolk, orphans, and the indigent; speak to people in a goodly way; and perform the prayer and give the alms.” 

While we strive to recite as much Qur’an as possible in these holy days, let us also prioritize learning and implementing the lessons taught in this holy guidebook for mankind.

5. It is a time to seek forgiveness 

One of the emphasized benefits of the holy month of Ramadan is that it is one of, if not the most, excellent times to seek forgiveness from Allah (swt) for any mistakes we have made.  

Prophet Muhammad (sawa) said, ‘If a person remains unforgiven in the month of Ramadan, then what other month is there left for him to be forgiven in?!’ 

One of the ways to achieve such forgiveness is through charity!  

Prophet Muhammad (sawa) also said, ‘O People! One who gives Iftaar to a fasting person during this month [Ramadan] will be like one who has freed someone and his past sins will be forgiven.’ 

Upon hearing this some of the people who were there then asked the Prophet (sawa): “Not all of us are able to invite those who are fasting?” To which he (sawa) replied, “Allah gives this reward even if the Iftaar (meal) is a drink of water.” 

Our team around the globe is working their hardest to provide food and water to those in need to break their fasts this Ramadan. For $500 you can help sponsor meals for up to 250 people to break their fast with or for $250 you can sponsor up to 1000 water bottles for individuals in need. You can even donate $80 to help provide a food parcel for a family which could sustain them for one whole month!

You can help make a difference this Ramadan in the lives of so many by donating today at zahrafoundation.ca/ramadan. If you’d like to take another step you can also join our team, #TeamZahra, to raise funds by clicking here.  

To read the full sermon of the Holy Prophet (sawa) on the last Friday of Sha’ban click here.