Charity In Ramadhan

 

The Muslim Creed
Publisher: The Daar of Islamic Heritage

Imams Al-Bukhari and Muslim reported that Ibn ‘Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, had said, “The Prophet (saws) was the most generous of people. He used to be the most generous in Ramadhan when he would meet with angel Jibreal and study the Quran with him. Angel Jibreal would meet with the Prophet every night in Ramadhan to teach him the Quran. The Prophet was so generous when he met with Jibreal, more generous than the wind that brings rain.” Imam Ahmad added to this narration, “And nothing he was asked for but he would give it.” Furthermore, Al-Bayhaqi reported that ‘Aaishah, may Allah be pleased with her, had said, “When Ramadhan would start, the Prophet would release all prisoners of war and fulfill the need of every person who would ask him for something.”

Generosity and giving are attributes that Allah likes for Muslims to have. Also, Allah is the most Generous and Giving of all. Indeed, Allah’s Generosity multiplies in Ramadhan. Similarly, the Prophet’s generosity increased in Ramadhan, and indeed he is the man whose personality entails all the attributes mankind seek and vie for.

This increased generosity of the Prophet in Ramadhan has several reasons and indications that we have to pay attention to, among them are:

1. Ramadhan is an honorable and blessed month, and the rewards for generosity are multiplied in it. The Prophet (saws) said,

“The best charity is that given in Ramadhan.” [At-Tirmithi].

2. This is a source of help and support, especially the ones fasting. To encourage this, the Prophet said,

“He who feeds a fasting person will gain the same reward as he will, without decreasing from the fasting person’s rewards.” [Ahmad].

The fasting person abandons food and drink in Ramadhan. Thus, when he gives others what he is craving for, this sacrifice would generate greater rewards, Allah willing.

3. Ramadhan 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 Ramadhan, Allah will be even more Merciful and Giving, and will bestow upon him countless bounties and blessings.

4. Joining between fasting and giving charity leads to entering Paradise, by Allah’s Leave and Blessings. The Prophet said,

“In Paradise there are rooms that their inside can be seen from outside and outside can be seen from inside.” He was asked, “For whom are these rooms, O Messenger of Allah?” He said, “They are for he who soften his speech, feeds the people, continues to fast, and prays at night while the people are asleep.” [Ahmad].

All these acts take place in Ramadhan, for in it there are fasting, prayer at night, and charity. Also, the fasting person is sternly prohibited from evil and useless speech. Thus, performing all these deeds and attaining such unique bounties can be easily attained during Ramadhan by the fasting person.

5. Charity and fasting are a stronger and more effective barrier that will keep the person away from the Fire. As for fasting, the Prophet had said,

“Fasting is a shield and protection from Hellfire” [Ahmad].

He also said regarding charity, “Charity extinguishes the sin just as water extinguishes the fire. The man’s prayer late at night has the same effect.”