Praise belongs to Almighty Allah who appointed among those roads His month, the month of Ramadan, the month of fasting, the month of submission, the month of purity, the month of putting to test, the month of standing in prayer, in which the Quran was sent down as guidance to the people, and as clear signs of the Guidance and the Separator.
The Power of Shadaqa (Giving charity) in The Month of Ramadan.
The annual coming of month Ramadan is always be the special moment for the believers, due the numerous amount of virtues in this month. Rewards, and forgiven of Allah spread across every single second and place during this sacred month. One who realizes how small the preparation he has to welcome the Judgement Day later on, will be very pleased to welcome Ramadan. One who acknowledges how many sins he has committed, will have no other feeling but happiness and joy in welcoming the Ramadan.
True believer, is The Generous One of the door that Allah has opened to His slaves to gain big rewards in the month Ramadan is through sadaqa (giving charity/alms). Islam always advise it’s followers to give plenty of charities, especially during the month Ramadan. And that supposes to be the manner of believers; generous. Allah and His messenger ordered, even gave example to the followers of Islam to be a generous and open-handed person. Know that generosity is one of the attribute of Allah the Exalted, as revealed in hadith below:
The messenger of Allah -peace and prayer of Allah be upon him- told about the 7 groups of people who will get shade on the day where there are no shade but from Allah, that is the Last Day. One of the groups is:
“a man who gives charitable gifts so secretly that his left hand does not know what his right hand has given.” (Narrated by. Bukhari in hadith no. 1421).
Spend in charity and do not keep count for then Allah will also keep count in giving you provision.” (Bukhari and Muslim).
Those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah and do not follow up their spending by stressing their benevolence and causing hurt, will find their reward secure with their Lord. They have no cause for fear and grief.
To speak a kind words and to forgive people’s faults is better than charity followed by hurt. Allah is All-Sufficient, All-Forbearing
Believers! Do not nullify your acts of charity by stressing your benevolence and causing hurt as does he who spends his wealth only to be seen by men and does not believe in Allah and the Last Day. The example of his spending is that of a rock with a thin coating of earth upon it: when a heavy rain smites it, the earth is washed away, leaving the rock bare; such people derive no gain from their acts of charity. Allah does not set the deniers of the Truth on the right way. (2:262 – 264).Those needy ones who are wholly wrapped up in the cause of Allah, and who are hindered from moving about the earth in search of their livelihood especially deserve help. He who is unaware of their circumstances supposes them to be wealthy because of their dignified bearing, but you will know them by their countenance, although they do not go about begging of people with importunity. And whatever wealth you will spend on helping them, Allah will know of it. (2:273).
The people who where given the Book before this did not divide into sects until after the clear statement (of the Right Way) had come to them, and the only Command they were given was to worship Allah, making their religion sincerely His, turning all their attention towards Him, and to establish the Salat and to pay the Zakat: for this alone is the most true and right religion. (98:4 – 5)
Establish Prayer and dispense the Purifying Alms (Zakat) and bow in worship with those who bow (2:43)
The believers, both men and women, are allies of one another. They enjoin good, forbid evil, establish Prayer, pay Zakah, and obey Allah and His Messenger. Surely Allah will show mercy to them. Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise (9:71)
The aims (Zakat in this specific verse?s case) are meant only for the poor and the needy and those who are in charge thereof, those whose hearts are to be reconciled; and to free those in bondage, and to help those burdened with debt, and for expenditure in the way of Allah and for the wayfarer. This is an obligation from Allah. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. (9:60).
When you make Dua after prayers or on other occasions, ask Allah to help those who are in need or living in poverty. Ask Him to help you and the community provide for their needs. Also pray that those who regularly give Zakat for the sake of Allah receive Barakah (blessings) in their wealth. This can encourage others to give their Zakat as well.
The writer is columnist, social activist, freelancer writer and can be reached at ishfaqshafi428@gmail. Com
