The holy month of Ramadan and the Holy Quran are directly linked, and in several ways. As Muslims know, the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, on him be peace, in Ramadan.
The Quran and Ramadan are also explicitly linked to fasting.
The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Quran was revealed as guidance for mankind, and as clear signs that show the right way and distinguish between right and wrong. So those of you who witness the month must fast in it, and those of you who are sick or on a journey, (let them fast the same) number of other days.” (Quran 2:185).
Even in the verses just before this, God guides us to fasting.
O believers! Fasting is prescribed for you — as it was for those before you — so perhaps you will become mindful [of God]. [Fast a] prescribed number of days. But whoever of you is ill or on a journey, then [let them fast] an equal number of days [after Ramadan]. For those who can only fast with extreme difficulty, compensation can be made by feeding a needy person [for every day not fasted]. But whoever volunteers to give more, it is better for them. And to fast is better for you, if only you knew” (Quran 2:183-184).
Fasting is also tied to the word for “patience” in the Quran, referring to the restraint it takes to complete one’s fast.
O believers! Seek comfort in patience and prayer. God is truly with those who are patient…” (Quran 2:153).
Ramadan is also a key time for giving charity, be it zakat or sadaqah. Giving charity is a way to purify one’s soul and wealth, and to receive God’s blessing. It helps receivers in the physical world while helping givers spiritually. Additionally, the value of a person’s good deeds are multiplied many times over during Ramadan. This is why Muslims give so much to charity during Ramadan.
Among the reasons Muslims fast is to understand the plight of the needy, the poor, the hungry, and those who live meagerly. Giving charity during Ramadan, whether during the fast or at night, supplements this empathy while supporting the downtrodden.
There’s even a special charity — zakat al-fitr — that Muslims must pay before Eid prayer on the morning of Eid al-Fitr, the holiday that celebrates Ramadan’s completion and the first day of the month of Shawwal.
This Ramadan, supplement your fasting by giving to charity.
Those giving their zakat in Ramadan 2024 can use Zakat Foundation of America’s updated online Zakat Calculator. It functions like a worksheet and automatically calculates zakat based on what users input.