Charity is connected to generosity, a virtue that is central in Islam. It is the third of the five pillars of Islam and thus, a fundamental teaching of the Islamic faith. Being charitable and taking care of the weak and poor are essential aspects of a Muslim Character.
Being the third pillar of Islam -charity-, there is two types of Zakat. Zakat al- Fitr and Zakat al Mal. Zakat al Fitr is paid at the end of Ramadhan regardless of gender or age and it amounts to a meal. Zakat Al Mal is payable at the end of every financial year and it amounts to 2.5% that a person holds for a year.
Charity is one of the highest and greatest acts of worship that one can do. Allah urges us in the Holy Quran {Quran 57:18}, “They who have loaned Allah a goodly loan, who is that who would loan Allah a goodly loan so He will multiply it for him and he will have a noble reward?”
Our beloved Prophet (saw) said in a Hadeeth “The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his charity.” (Al- Tirmidhi)
Charity during Ramadhan can be done in various ways. Each and every one of us is obligated to participate in random acts of kindness other than fasting such as giving money to charity, volunteering and supporting nonprofit organizations in feeding and clothing programs, donating food stuffs and other basic necessities to the ones in need. No matter how small the amount and gesture, it makes a huge difference to those in need.
The benefits of charity during this Holy month include:
- It is a protection from calamity according to the Hadeeth narrated by Al Tirmidhi “Give Charity without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity.’’
- Purification of past minor sins as per the definition of Zakat.
- Through Zakat, the poor are cared for.
- It keeps us away from sin and saves the giver from the moral ill arising from the love and greed of wealth.
- Brings about blessing, increase and better returns on wealth.
To sum it all up charity wipes out sin like water extinguishes fire. Charity and donations should be given to attain God’s pleasure and forgiveness. It must be given for the sake of Allah and in secret. The thought behind it is that giving for worldly gain would detract from giving and deprive it of the blessing associated with it.
How you can help this Ramadhan,
-Anisa Ibrahim