Ramadan as a Giving Month

By: Farhah Nadhirah

While it is meant to test our faith and hold ourselves from our lust, Ramadan is also meant to remind Muslims of the less unfortunate- to feel their hunger and thirst and humble the hearts of the fortunate. Consequently, Ramadan opens the Muslims' eyes to help the needy as they are able to empathize with their condition, especially during this holy month.

Next, Ramadan is a time for charity because it is part of the sunnah. "The Prophet (PBUH) was the most generous of people, and he was the most generous during Ramadan." (Hadith, Bukhari) [1]. To be a good Muslim, following the sunnah- the words and actions of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), should be a part of our lifestyle. I believe giving donations and charity is a good start in following the sunnah.

Ramadan is a good time for donations because Allah has proliferated the rewards (pahala) this month. In other words, donating is an investment for the Muslims in the Hereafter. As mentioned in the Quran:

"Surely the men who give sadaqah and the women who give sadaqah and have advanced a good loan to Allah SWT; for them it will be multiplied and for them there is a noble reward."

- The Holy Qur'an (57:18) [2]

In conclusion, let's all start doing charity this Ramadan to help others while also cleansing our souls. We should also remind ourselves to be consistent in our good deeds even after Ramadan has ended. The end of Ramadan should not be the end of your journey of doing good deeds, but it should be the start of a new journey of self-betterment.

**This article is personal opionion of the writer and does not represent Sekolah Islamiyah as a whole.

Reference:

[1] https://www.islamic-relief.org/sadaqa/#:~:text=The%20Prophet%20(peace%20be%20upon%20him)%20would%20give%20charity%20throughout,%E2%80%9D%20(Hadith%2C%20Bukhari)

[2] https://www.muslimaid.org/media-centre/blog/5-acts-of-sadaqah-jaariyah-in-islam/