The etiquette of giving charity in Ramadan

The Etiquette of Giving Charity in Ramadan

Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, is a time when Muslims strive to purify their hearts, strengthen their faith, and draw closer to Allah (SWT). It is a month filled with opportunities for spiritual growth, where acts of worship such as fasting, prayer, and charity take on heightened significance. Among the most virtuous acts during this blessed month is giving charity, or sadaqah.

Charity in Ramadan holds special rewards, as it not only benefits those in need but also cleanses the heart and brings the giver closer to Allah. Giving charity is encouraged throughout the year, but its importance is emphasized even more during Ramadan due to the increased rewards and the opportunity for forgiveness. In this blog post, we will explore the etiquette of giving charity in Ramadan, drawing from the Quran and Hadith, and offering practical guidance on how to give in the best manner to gain Allah’s pleasure.

Charity in Islam

Charity (sadaqah) is a fundamental aspect of Islam and is regarded as one of the primary means of earning Allah’s mercy and rewards. The Quran encourages Muslims to give charity generously, not just from their surplus wealth, but also from what they hold dear, for this act purifies their wealth and helps them attain righteousness.

وَمَا تُنفِقُوا مِنْ خَيْرٍ فَلِأَنْفُسِكُمْ
“Whatever you spend of good, it is for yourselves.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:272)

This verse reminds us that charity is not a loss, but rather an investment in the Hereafter. The more a person gives, the more they gain in terms of blessings, rewards, and closeness to Allah.

In addition to sadaqah, another type of charity, zakat (obligatory almsgiving), plays a significant role in Islam, ensuring that wealth is distributed fairly among those in need. While zakat is obligatory, sadaqah is voluntary, and the rewards for giving it are immense.

The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) stated:

إِنَّ فِي الجَنَّةِ بابًا يقال له: الصَّدَقَةُ، لا يدخله إلا أهل الصَّدَقَةِ
“Indeed, in Paradise, there is a gate called ‘Sadaqah’ which no one enters except those who used to give charity.” (Sahih Bukhari 1434)

This Hadith highlights the importance of charity and its connection to the Hereafter.

The Importance of Giving Charity in Ramadan

The month of Ramadan is a time when Muslims experience heightened spirituality, and the rewards for good deeds are multiplied. Giving charity during Ramadan, therefore, carries even greater significance. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said:

أَفْضَلُ الصَّدَقَةِ صَدَقَةٌ فِي رَمَضَانَ

“The best charity is that given in Ramadan.” (Tirmidhi)

This Hadith underscores the immense rewards for giving charity during this blessed month. The act of giving charity in Ramadan is an opportunity to purify one’s wealth, aid those in need, and increase one’s closeness to Allah (SWT).

Charity and the Quran

The Quran emphasizes charity in numerous verses, making it clear that giving in the way of Allah is an act that not only benefits the receiver but also serves to purify the heart of the giver. Allah (SWT) encourages believers to give charity without hesitation, especially during Ramadan.

خُذْ مِنْ أَمْوَالِهِمْ صَدَقَةً تُطَهِّرُهُمْ وَتُزَكِّيهِمْ بِهَا
“Take, [O Muhammad], from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase…” (Surah At-Tawbah 9:103)

This verse shows that giving charity purifies the soul and enhances the spiritual growth of the giver. When giving in Ramadan, the rewards for purification and increase are amplified. This is why Ramadan presents an unparalleled opportunity to engage in charity, as the act helps cleanse the soul, provide for those in need, and bring the giver closer to Allah.

The Etiquette of Giving Charity in Ramadan

While the rewards of giving charity in Ramadan are immense, it is equally important to approach the act with sincerity and mindfulness. Here are some key etiquettes that should be followed when giving charity in Ramadan:

Giving with Sincerity

The most important aspect of giving charity is sincerity (ikhlas). Charity should be given purely for the sake of Allah (SWT), without any expectation of recognition, praise, or recompense from others. The Quran reminds us of the importance of sincerity in acts of worship:

يُنفِقُونَ فِي السَّرَّاءِ وَالضَّرَّاءِ وَالْكَاظِمِينَ الْغَيْظَ وَالْعَافِينَ عَنِ النَّاسِ وَاللَّهُ يُحِبُّ الْمُحْسِنِينَ
“They spend in prosperity and in adversity, and they repress anger and pardon people; and Allah loves the doers of good.” (Surah Al-Imran 3:134)

When giving charity, it is crucial that the intention behind the act is purely for the pleasure of Allah. Charity should not be used to gain social status or recognition, but to seek Allah’s mercy and reward.

Giving Secretly and Discreetly

The act of giving charity should be done in a way that protects the dignity of the recipient and does not expose them to embarrassment. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) taught the importance of giving charity privately, away from public attention. He said:

“أَفْضَلُ الصَّدَقَةِ صَدَقَةٌ فِي سِرٍّ، حَتَّى لَا تَعْلَمَ شِمَالُهُ مَا تُنْفِقُ يَمِينُهُ”

“The best of charity is that which is given in secret, and the left hand should not know what the right hand gives.” (Sahih Bukhari)

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of giving charity in a way that does not attract attention. It is a form of humility and ensures that the act is truly done for the sake of Allah, without seeking praise or admiration.

Giving in Abundance

Charity is not about the quantity of money donated, but about the sincerity and sacrifice involved. During Ramadan, Muslims are encouraged to be generous and to give as much as they can, regardless of the amount. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said:

أَحَبُّ الأَعْمَالِ إِلَى اللَّهِ أَدْوَمُهَا وَإِنْ قَلَّ

“The most beloved deeds to Allah are those that are done regularly, even if they are small.” (Sahih Bukhari)

Even small acts of charity can have a profound impact, especially when done consistently. In Ramadan, the reward for charity is multiplied, so giving generously during this time can lead to significant spiritual rewards.

Giving at the Right Time

Ramadan is a month full of opportunities for giving charity, and timing plays a key role in maximizing the rewards. Some of the best times to give charity in Ramadan include:

• At the time of Iftar: When breaking the fast, the act of giving charity can be especially rewarding. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said:

مَنْ فَطَّرَ صَائِمًا كَانَ لَهُ مِثْلُ أَجْرِهِ، غَيْرَ أَنَّهُ لَا يَنْقُصُ مِنْ أَجْرِ الصَّائِمِ شَيْئًا

“Whoever gives a fasting person something to break their fast with, will have a reward like theirs, without diminishing their reward in the slightest.” (Tirmidhi)

• During Laylatul Qadr: The Night of Decree, or Laylatul Qadr, falls within the last ten nights of Ramadan, and it is known to be a time when Allah grants immense mercy and forgiveness. Giving charity during this night brings multiplied rewards.

إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَاهُ فِي لَيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ وَمَا أَدْرَاكَ مَا لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ خَيْرٌ مِّنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍ
“Indeed, We sent it [the Quran] down during the Night of Decree. And what can make you know what is the Night of Decree? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.” (Surah Al-Qadr 97:1-3)

Giving charity during this night is a way to maximize the rewards and earn Allah’s forgiveness.

Giving to the Right People

Charity should be directed towards those who need it most. In Ramadan, there are many people who may be struggling financially or in need of food, clothing, or shelter. When giving charity, prioritize those who are in desperate need and ensure that the funds are used in the right way.

إِنَّمَا الصَّدَقَاتُ لِلْفُقَرَاءِ وَالْمَسَاكِينِ وَالْعَامِلِينَ عَلَيْهَا وَالْمُؤَلَّفَةِ قُلُوبُهُمْ
“Charities are for the poor and the needy, and for those employed to collect them.” (Surah At-Tawbah 9:60)

This verse reminds us to ensure that the recipients of charity are truly in need, and that the charity is used to alleviate their hardships.

Giving Sadaqat al-Fitr

One of the key forms of charity in Ramadan is sadaqat al-fitr, which is obligatory for every Muslim before the Eid prayer. It purifies the fasting person’s fast and helps those in need celebrate Eid with joy and dignity. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said:

صَوْمُ رَمَضَانَ مُعَلَّقٌ بَيْنَ السَّمَاءِ وَالْأَرْضِ لَا يُرْفَعُ إِلَّا بِزَكَاةِ الْفِطْرِ

“The fast remains suspended until the Sadaqat al-Fitr are paid.” (Sunan Ibn Majah)

The proper amount for sadaqat al-fitr should be given at the end of Ramadan, ensuring that it reaches those in need in time for the Eid celebrations.

Conclusion

Giving charity during Ramadan is one of the most rewarding acts of worship a Muslim can engage in. By adhering to the etiquette of charity—giving with sincerity, privately, generously, at the right times, and to the right recipients—Muslims can purify their hearts, help those in need, and earn immense rewards from Allah (SWT). As we give charity, let us remember that it is not just about material wealth, but about nourishing our souls, spreading kindness, and seeking the pleasure of Allah.

May Allah accept our charity, forgive our shortcomings, and grant us the ability to give with sincerity and generosity during Ramadan and beyond. Ameen.