Today, Muslims all over the world are observing the Ramadan fast not because it's easy to stay without food or water for more than 6 hours of the day, not because we willingly chose to starve ourselves but because it is obligatory upon us as muslims and Allah has commanded every muslim to fast in the month of Ramadan be it the rich or poor, old or young, excluding the sick, traveller, nursing mother, aged and menstruating woman.
The month of Ramadan is a month of blessing in which our good deeds are doubled in manifolds and the prophet Muhammad (SAW) recommend all muslims to strive in doing more good deeds in order to earn the ramah of Allah. Among the good deeds every muslim should carry out in the month of Ramadan is Sadaqah(charity), giving to the needy.
The prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “A man is not a believer who fills his stomach while his neighbor is hungry.” This means that you are not a true Muslim or believer in Allah (SWT) if you fail to give to charity and show mercy to someone who is less fortunate than you.
This tells us how important charity is in islam and we are also made to understand that, giving charity is not the responsibility of the rich alone has spending for the Sake of Allah has got nothing to do with our social class, age or status.
Allah says in Surah Al-Munafiqun, verse 10
وَأَنفِقُواْ مِن مَّا رَزَقۡنَـٰكُم مِّن قَبۡلِ أَن يَأۡتِىَ أَحَدَكُمُ ٱلۡمَوۡتُ فَيَقُولَ رَبِّ لَوۡلَآ أَخَّرۡتَنِىٓ إِلَىٰٓ أَجَلٍ قَرِيبٍ فَأَصَّدَّقَ وَأَكُن مِّنَ ٱلصَّـٰلِحِينَ
And spend [in the way of Allah] from what We have provided you before death approaches one of you and he says, "My Lord, if only You would delay me for a brief term so I would give charity and be among the righteous."
This verse is telling us that, we don't need to have all the money in the world before we give to the needy. It doesn't matter how small your wealth is or how little your resources are, just spend out of the little Allah has given for his sake for the reward is certain and cannot be compared to any.
This attribute is greatly endorsed in Islam, which gives immense importance to charity and helping others. We are advised and encouraged to share what they have been blessed with and distribute it to those who are not so fortunate. Charity is not only beneficial for those who receive it, but it also lays a great reward for the ones who give. It is essentially food for the soul and serves as a means of salvation as well.
In Ramadan, when we experience the effects of hunger during our fast, we establish a closer association with those people who usually go through the condition due to a lack of food. So, fasting serves two purposes. It tests your obedience and devotion to Allah (SWT) and how well you can restrain yourself from the pleasures of life, and it also reminds you of the people who are starving and living in famine. This feeling inspires and enables us to help others. Charity to these families this month will not only help them financially but will also help them out spiritually.
“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.”
An act of goodwill that is prescribed by Allah (SWT) himself should be carried out throughout the year with the sole intention of pleasing Him. However, when the Holy Month of Ramadan arrives, every type of worship and the act of pleasing our Lord should be increased, including the noble act of charity.
May Allah accept our fast from us as an act of Ibadah. Amin!
Sakeenah'writes
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