Why Do Muslims Give More Charity During Ramadan?

Ramadan is one of the holiest months in the Islamic calendar. During Ramadan, Muslims observe fasting, one of the five pillars of Islam. Muslims’ piety is arguably at its peak during Ramadan. Believers increase their acts of worship during Ramadan, including giving charity. One of the most important reasons for their generosity during Ramadan is the occurrence of Laylatul Qadr, during which the Quran was revealed. Any act of worship committed on the night of Laylatul Qadr promises great spiritual rewards.

What Kinds of Charity Do Muslims Give?

Charity is central to the Islamic way of life, and Muslims are consistently encouraged to adopt it. Charity isn’t only a responsibility; it also promises great rewards in the afterlife. The Quran says:

Those who spend their wealth in the path of Allah are like a seed that grows seven ears, with a hundred grains in each ear, and Allah increases the reward for whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing. (Surat Al-Baqarah, 2:261)

There are mainly two types of charities in Islam: Zakat is the third pillar of Islam and the mandatory form of charity that must be given each lunar Islamic year by those who qualify. The qualification of Zakat depends on ownership of the Nisab value. The Quran says:

“Establish prayer and give zakah, and whatever good you send forward for yourselves, you will find it with Allah. Surely, Allah sees everything you do.” (Surat Al-Baqarah, 2:110)

Those who are eligible to pay Zakat must pay 2.5% of their qualified wealth to the eight categories of deserving Muslims defined by the Quran.

Sadaqah is a voluntary charity that has great significance in Islam. Sadaqah can be given to any needy person and is not an obligation. Another interesting aspect of Sadaqah is that it isn’t confined to financial giving, but also includes beneficial behaviors such as advising someone, teaching someone a new skill, reconciling between feuding parties, and even smiling while addressing people. There is a special kind of Sadaqah called Sadaqah E Jariya that promises spiritual rewards even after a person’s death. One way to achieve Sadaqah E Jairya is to develop mosques, wells, and other water sources, teach beneficial skills, and even plant trees.

Why Give Charity During Ramadan?

Giving charity during Ramadan is highly encouraged by Islam. According to the following Hadith, the Prophet (ﷺ) was most charitable during Ramadan:

Ibn Abbas reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) was the most generous of all people, and his generosity increased even more during the month of Ramadan when the Angel Gabriel visited him. Gabriel would meet him every night throughout Ramadan until the month ended. During these meetings, the Prophet (ﷺ) would recite the Qur’an to him, and whenever Gabriel visited, the Prophet’s generosity became greater than a swift wind that brings rain and goodness. (Sahih al-Bukhari, 1902)

In another Hadith, the Prophet (ﷺ) clearly said that charity given during Ramadan is best.

Anas reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) was asked which fast is most virtuous after Ramadan. He replied, “Fasting in Sha’ban, in honor of Ramadan.” When asked which charity is the best, he answered, “Charity given during Ramadan.” (Jami` at-Tirmidhi, 663)

While giving Sadaqah during the month of Ramadan is a great act of worship, one should be a little careful about giving Zakat. Many Muslims prefer to pay their Zakat during the month of Ramadan. However, one shouldn’t defer Zakat beyond its due date for Ramadan. If you want to pay Zakat online during Ramadan, you can do so by making an advance Zakat payment for the coming year.

Significance of Laylatul Qadr

The last Ashra of Ramadan is considered by many as the most sacred part of the month. The reason is the occurrence of Laylatul Qadr, which many Muslims consider the most sacred and powerful night. The significance of Laylatul Qadr can be derived from the fact that the Quran dedicates an entire chapter to describing it. The Quran says:

“The Night of Decree is more valuable than a thousand months.” (Surat Al-Qadr, 97:3)

Besides the verses in Surah al-Qadr, the Qur’an further describes the Laylat al-Qadr in Surah Ad-Dukhān

“Indeed, We revealed it on a blessed night, for We have always warned mankind.” (Surah Ad-Dukhān, 44:3)

According to the verses, Laylatul Qadr is an immensely powerful night, a source of peace, and any act of worship performed on it promises immense spiritual rewards. However, the exact occurrence of Laylatul Qadr is not known.

The majority of Sunni Muslims observe Laylatul Qadr on the 27th of Ramadan, while many Shia Muslims believe that it occurs on the 23rd night of Ramadan. Its exact occurrence remains a mystery to Allah (SWT). Some Hadith and prophetic traditions confirm that this great night should be sought in the odd nights of the last Ashra.

According to a Hadith narrated by Hazrat Ayesha (R.A), the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “Look for the Night of Qadr during the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 2017). These nights include the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, and 29th of Ramadan.

The Best Way of Giving Charity on Laylatul Qadr?

The best way to give charity during Ramadan is to schedule your Ramadan giving and distribute it so it covers the last Ashra well. Since Laylatul Qadr occurs during the last ten days of Ramadan, you can give charity every day, right till the end of Ramadan.

In this manner, you will not miss the opportunity to make your Laylatul Qadr donation and also help needy people prepare for their Eid celebrations. While it is difficult to reach out to the most deserving people for charity, you can give your charity online to a Shariah-compliant organization that helps needy people. By paying charity online, you can also easily schedule your Zakat giving. When giving charity, make sure you donate your Zakat to the Zakat header/account specifically.

Give Charity to Transparent Hands To Support Needy Patients

The world is full of conflict and strife. Many causes need your attention. However, if you have ever been sick, you will understand how difficult it is to carry on life without health. Health is one of Allah’s (SWT) most precious gifts.

According to a Hadith: “Abu Bakr said that God’s messenger mounted the pulpit, then wept and said, ‘Ask God for forgiveness and health, for after being granted certainty, one is given nothing better than health.” (Mishkat al-Masabih, 2489)

Healthcare is a pressing issue, especially in countries like Pakistan, where healthcare facilities are scarce and a very large number of people are vulnerable to diseases.

That’s why you should support an organization like Transparent Hands. They have assisted thousands of needy patients since they started their work in 2014. Their excellent maternal and child program has assisted thousands of needy women and children, while they also support a wide range of surgeries. Moreover, they organize medical camps in low-income areas of Pakistan, where their team of expert doctors, paramedics, and volunteers provides compassionate medical services and free medication.

Since Transparent Hands is a Shariah-compliant organization, you can pay your Zakat, Sadaqah, or Ramadan donations with complete confidence. Before committing to your online donations, check out Transparent Hand’s work and review it online.

Ramadan is a month of spiritual change. While you embark on another spiritual journey in this great month, don’t forget to assist those who need your support to reclaim their lives. Donate now!