5 ways to be charitable this Ramadan
Ramadan is the month in which Almighty Allah showers his divine mercy and forgiveness on His creation. One must try their best to engage in Ibadah in this month as the rewards of performing good deeds are multiplied 70 times. Giving charity in the month of Ramadan has ample rewards. Ibn Abbas (ra) narrated, “The Prophet (saw) was the most generous person, and he used to become more so (generous) particularly in the month of Ramadan, more generous than the fast wind in doing good” [Bukhari].
There are many ways in which one can be charitable during the month of Ramadan. However, not all acts of charity need to be in monetary form. Here are 5 simple ways you can give the gift of charity this Ramadan:
1. Donate your time: Volunteering with a local charity or community organization is a great way to assist the less fortunate during the month of Ramadan. Volunteering for a charity can also give you a genuine understanding of the daily hardships faced by the poor and grant you the ability to empathize with them. You can commit a certain number of hours per week to a local charity of your choice and involve yourself with local community outreach programs to help the poor and needy.
2. Remember someone in your Dua: The Messenger of Allah (saw) said, “Supplication is the essence of worship” [Tirmidhi]. Making Dua for someone is the best gift you can give to them. Dua made during the state of fasting is loved by the Almighty, thus one must try their best to engage in abundant supplication during Ramadan. If you know of someone who is struggling in a certain aspect of their life, spend a few extra minutes at the time of Iftar making Dua to Allah to ease them of their worries. This is a profound act of charity loved by the Almighty.
3. Donate old possessions: Ramadan is a great time to declutter your home and donate any excess clothing or household items you possess. A great way to declutter is by making a checklist of items you wish to give away, as this will assist you in organizing what items you have in excess. Giving away old clothing and household items can also assist the less fortunate in your community who are in need of these items.
4. Feed the hungry: The Messenger of Allah (saw) said, “Shield yourselves from the Hellfire even by giving half a date in charity. If he cannot find it, then with a kind word” [Bukhari]. If you are cooking a meal for Iftar or have leftovers from the previous day, consider giving this food to the homeless, poor and needy. You can also donate grocery items to a charity, soup kitchen, or shelter that caters to the less fortunate members of the community you live in.
5. Carry out an act of kindness: Ramadan is the month of self-reflection and performing small acts of kindness during this month is highly rewarding. Prior to Ramadan, make a conscious intention of committing one act of kindness a day and try to be consistent with it during the month, for example, offer a car ride to the mosque to the disabled and elderly from your community. Consistency in performing this act of kindness in Ramadan will allow it to become a habit, ensuring that you constantly perform it even outside of Ramadan.
Ramadan is the month in which we should spend our maximum time performing acts that please Almighty Allah and allow us to lead a lifestyle exemplary to the Prophet (saw). If you do not have the means to donate financially, consider performing the above acts of charity during this month. Sign up to volunteer with Muslim Hands today and help us eradicate poverty and assist the less fortunate.
