Philanthropy during Ramadan

Ramadan is the month of giving and mercy, and in it Allah blesses the believers with forgiveness and being saved from Hellfire.

As humans, we are wired to want to help others whenever possible. This quality is highly regarded in Islam, which places a high value on generosity and helping others. Muslims are advised and encouraged to share and distribute what they have been blessed with to those who are less fortunate. Charity is not only beneficial to those who receive it, but it also has a significant benefit for those who give. It is essentially spiritual food that also serves as a means of salvation.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. This is a holy time when over one billion Muslims worldwide fast and focus their attention on charitable giving, known as Zakat. Fasting and charitable acts are both obligatory for Muslims who are able to do so during Ramadan. Fasting from sunrise to sunset represents a spiritual cleansing, an attempt to draw closer to God, and an attempt to gain a better understanding of human suffering.

The fasting requires Muslims to practice self-control and sacrifice, as well as to reflect on and show compassion for the poor and less fortunate. Muslims are encouraged to be more generous and to expand their charitable activities. As a result, the community engages in a lot of charitable giving during Ramadan. Donations are typically directed toward those suffering from poverty and hunger.

Allah himself has designated it as follows:

“Ramadan is the month of giving and mercy, and in it Allah blesses the believers with forgiveness and being saved from Hellfire. Therefore, whoever is merciful and giving in Ramadan, Allah will be even more Merciful and Giving, and will bestow upon him countless bounties and blessings.”

The Holy Prophet is said to have said:

“Ramadan is an honourable and blessed month, and the rewards for generosity are multiplied in it”.

When Muslims experience the effects of hunger during their fast during Ramadan, they form a closer bond with those who normally suffer from the condition due to a lack of food. As a result, fasting serves two functions. It tests their obedience and devotion to Allah, as well as their ability to refrain from the pleasures of life, and it also reminds them of the people who are starving and living in famine. This feeling motivates and enables them to assist others.

At the end of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr (the Festival of Fast-Breaking) by spending time with their families and exchanging gifts with those less fortunate. In Islam it said that charity is the truest salvation for a person and such a noble deed never goes unrewarded in the eyes of Allah.