Ramadan is a time for fasting and prayer, but did you know charity during Ramadan has extra blessings? The Prophet, on him be peace, said:
"The one who feeds a faster gets a reward like his, taking nothing in the least from the faster's reward."
During Ramadan, the Prophet, on him be peace, used to increase his charity giving. He was more generous than a fast wind in Ramadan. To honor his example (Sunnah), we increase our charity giving during this month.
Zakat Is Required in Ramadan
In Ramadan, we also give specific charity for Zakat. Zakat al-Fitr is the obligatory, unique charity all Muslims pay at the end of the Ramadan fasting month. If you missed fasts with a valid excuse, you pay Zakat al-Fidya. If you miss fasting days without a valid reason, you pay Zakat al-Kaffarah.
Why Is Charity So Important?
For so many of the needy and hungry in our communities, your charity is a lifeline. We wish you could see the joy in people's faces when we are giving out food packages and other much-needed items. Last year alone, we distributed 7.5 million meals and over 4.5 million in Ramadan alone.
When they receive these packages, it’s like a burden has been lifted from their shoulders, and they immediately throw up their hands in gratitude to God and you.
These gifts make all of the difference. In most cases, it is the difference between life and death. Whether it is life-saving medicine, water wells or food, the gifts you give are what help people around the world not only survive but thrive.
Often, we see people who are given Zakat can lift themselves out of poverty and become donors themselves.
Charity Brings Blessings
We believe that charity never decreases your wealth.
God tells us:
'The likeness of those who spend their money for Allah's sake, is as the likeness of a grain [of corn], it grows seven ears, every single ear has a hundred grains, and Allah multiplies [increases the reward] for whom He wills, and Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures' needs, All-Knower' (Surah Baqarah 2: 261).
Just imagine the multitude in blessings you will receive for any gifts you make. Any chance to give is an opportunity to earn blessings. Who wouldn't want to take that opportunity? Will you feed a family for $60 or share an Eid toy for $30?