Charity in Ramadan – A Source of Redemption

Charity in Ramadan is a great way to make amends for our past sins and ask for forgiveness, and Islam encourages this. It is a month of spiritual reflection and renewal, and it allows Muslims to strengthen their relationship with Allah, seek forgiveness, and improve their character.

Charity is a fundamental aspect of Islam, and it is considered one of the most virtuous acts that a Muslim can do. Muslims are encouraged to donate in Ramadan. This can take many forms, such as donating money to a charitable organization to provide food or quality healthcare services for deserving people. 

Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “Charity extinguishes sin as water extinguishes fire.” (Tirmidhi)

Let’s read more about the charity seeking forgiveness and redemption through this blog. 

Charity in Ramadan – A Way to Forgiveness & Redemption

Charity can help with seeking forgiveness and redemption during Ramadan:

Donate Zakat in Ramadan

Zakat is an obligatory charity for Muslims who meet certain financial criteria. The first step to donate zakat is to calculate zakat with a zakat calculator. It is a way of seeking forgiveness from Allah for any sins committed in the past.

Helping the Needy

Charity in Ramadan to provide clothes, food, or health services to the needy is a way of seeking forgiveness and redemption for past mistakes. Helping the less fortunate is a way of showing compassion and empathy. 

Kaffarah in Ramadan

Kaffarah is an Arabic word for a type of expiation or atonement that can be performed to compensate for certain sins or transgressions in Islam. When Muslims intentionally break their fast before the right time during Ramadan without a legitimate reason, they are required to pay a price (Kaffarah) for that as an act of expiation or atonement. 

Sincerity and a genuine desire to repent and make amends for any wrongdoings are encouraged in Islam when performing Kaffarah, which is an integral part of seeking forgiveness and making amends for sins committed.

This type of charity in Ramadan is very important and is seen as one of the best ways to pay back for your sins. It’s the right thing to do as a responsible member of society to show that you’re on a path to correct yourself. Donating for the needy in any way is also a way of showing sympathy and caring for those who are less fortunate.

Difference between Kaffarah and Fidyah 

An expiation (kaffarah) is a penalty that compensates for a violation. Shari’ah says that the difference between the redemption payment (fidyah) and the expiation penalty (kaffarah) is that fidyah is a fee paid by someone who has a good reason not to fast. The penalty for breaking the fast before the right time during Ramadan is called kaffarah, and it is a form of penance.

Three Forms of Kaffarah 

1. To set an enslaved Muslim free is the first form. If you cannot find a Muslim slave or do not have the means to free one, you’ll have to go for the second form of Kaffarah.
2. Two lunar month-long fasts are the second form. Deliberately breaking the fast during the second form of kaffarah requires one to restart the expiatory fasting of two months.
3. The third form of Kaffarah is to feed sixty needy people if you’re unable to free a slave or keep fast for 60 days. However, there should be a valid reason for not being able to fulfill the first two obligations. 

Lessons from the stories of the Prophets about Charity 

1. Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH) 

In the story of Prophet Ibrahim, he demonstrated his willingness to sacrifice his son in the way of Allah. This act of sacrifice shows how important it is to give to Allah and be willing to give up something important for Him. It also shows that Allah rewards those who give sincerely and wholeheartedly.

2. Prophet Musa (PBUH) 

In the story of the prophet Musa, Allah commanded him to help a group of women who were having difficulty fetching water for their animals. Prophet Musa helped them without seeking any reward, and as a result, he was blessed with the reward of being able to marry one of the women and receive guidance from Allah. This story highlights the importance of helping those in need and doing good deeds without expecting any worldly benefits.

3. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) 

The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was known as the most generous and kind person in the whole universe. He also encouraged his followers to give generously to the poor and needy. Islam also established a system of charity called Zakat, which is one of the five pillars of Islam. 

Charity in Ramadan highlights the importance of giving a portion of one’s wealth to those in need and supporting the welfare of the community. Its significance also lies in emphasizing to Muslims that they should be generous and come forward to donate in Ramadan.