During Ramadan, Muslims engage in charity as a means of purifying their wealth, helping those in need, and earning spiritual rewards. There are various ways they give charity:
1. Zakat (Obligatory Charity):
Zakat is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, making it a mandatory form of charity for eligible Muslims. It involves giving a fixed percentage (typically 2.5%) of one’s savings and assets to those in need, including the poor, orphans, and those in debt.
Many Muslims choose to pay their Zakat during Ramadan as the rewards for acts of charity are believed to be multiplied during this holy month.
2. Sadaqah (Voluntary Charity):
Sadaqah refers to voluntary charity that Muslims give out of goodwill, beyond the obligatory Zakat. This can be in any amount, depending on one’s ability.
During Ramadan, Muslims are encouraged to give Sadaqah more frequently. They may offer it to individuals, local mosques, or charitable organizations. It’s often given in the form of money, food, or clothes.
3. Iftar Donations:
Providing food for those fasting is a highly encouraged act of charity during Ramadan. Many Muslims prepare and distribute Iftar meals (the meal to break the fast) for the less fortunate. This can be done at mosques, in community centers, or by directly helping individuals.
Some people also donate funds to organizations that prepare and distribute Iftar meals to the poor.
4. Lailat al-Qadr Charity:
During the last ten nights of Ramadan, particularly on Lailat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree), acts of worship and charity are believed to be especially rewarding. Muslims may focus their charitable efforts more during this period, giving to those in need in the hopes of receiving divine blessings.
5. Online and Crowdfunding Donations:
With the rise of digital platforms, many Muslims choose to donate to charities online during Ramadan. This could include supporting global humanitarian projects, disaster relief efforts, or local community initiatives that help the underprivileged.
6. Sponsorships and Gifts:
Muslims may also give charitable gifts, such as sponsoring the education of a child, donating to a health initiative, or funding a building project like a well or mosque.
Many also choose to sponsor the Fidya for those unable to fast due to illness or other reasons by donating for each day they miss.
7. Sadaqah Jariyah (Continuous Charity):
Sadaqah Jariyah refers to acts of charity that provide ongoing benefits, such as building a well, planting trees, or funding educational programs. The rewards for these acts of charity continue as long as the benefit persists, and many Muslims prioritize this type of charity during Ramadan.
8. Sharing Knowledge and Skills:
Muslims can also engage in charity by sharing knowledge, offering guidance, or teaching beneficial skills to others during Ramadan. This can include helping the less fortunate with literacy, offering counseling, or providing training in areas like job skills or financial literacy.
Charity during Ramadan is not only about monetary donations; it can include any act of kindness that benefits others, aligning with the core values of empathy, generosity, and community in Islam.