What you can donate during Ramadan

Ramadan is the blessed month of worship and drawing closer to Allah. During this sacred time, good deeds increase, and Muslims give charity to their fellow Muslims seeking mercy, forgiveness, and multiplied reward from Allah.

In this holy month, Muslims should seize the opportunity and increase charity to those who deserve it, including the poor and the needy. Charity in Ramadan is unlike any other, as it is a month of competing in good deeds and elevating ranks.

Therefore, in this article, we present the virtue of the last ten days of Ramadan, the categories entitled to receive charity, and the most important information about Zakat al-Fitr and its eligible recipients.

The Importance of the Blessed Month of Ramadan

The month of Ramadan holds great significance and immense virtue for the following religious reasons:

• The month in which the Book of Allah (the Holy Qur’an) was revealed, and reciting it during this month brings multiplied reward.
• The month of forgiveness and expiation of sins.
• The month of piety and abstaining from forbidden acts and sins.
• The month of answered supplications and fulfillment of wishes by Allah’s permission.
• The month of kindness, charity, and good deeds.
• The month of mercy in which the gates of Hell are closed and the gates of Paradise are opened.

The Social and Physical Importance of Ramadan

The social and physical importance of Ramadan includes the following:

• A month that teaches patience and endurance.
• A month that strengthens social relationships and promotes social solidarity.
• A month of striving against desires and the self.
• A month of self-review and personal accountability.
• A month of healthy living for a sound body and a sound mind.

The Virtue of the Last Ten Days of Ramadan

The last ten days of Ramadan carry immense virtue, and the Prophet encouraged striving harder in worship during them. Their key virtues include:

• Increased acts of worship such as night prayers, remembrance, supplication, and charity.
• A precious opportunity for repentance from sins.
• The best days for emancipation from Hellfire and drawing closer to Allah.
• They include Laylat al-Qadr, which is better than a thousand months, during which sins are forgiven and angels descend.
• Muslims devote themselves to worship and perform i‘tikaf seeking Allah’s pleasure.

Spending in the Month of Ramadan

Spending and giving charity in Ramadan is among the best and most beautiful deeds, as it saves its giver from Hellfire and opens the doors of Paradise. The Prophet encouraged charity in this blessed month by feeding fasting people, sponsoring orphans, and giving ongoing charity to please Allah by supporting the poor and needy who cannot afford food for iftar.

The Importance of Spending in Ramadan

The importance of spending in Ramadan includes the following:

• Increased provision and blessings in wealth.
• Forgiveness of sins through charity.
• Strengthening social solidarity and relationships.
• Purifying the soul from greed and miserliness.

Hadiths About Charity in Ramadan

Charity is one of the most beautiful acts of worship in Ramadan. The Prophet emphasized its multiplied reward, especially feeding those who fast, saying: “Whoever gives food for a fasting person to break his fast will have a reward like his, without it diminishing the fasting person’s reward.” (Reported by Al-Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah)

The Messenger of Allah also said: “The best charity is charity given in Ramadan.” (Reported by Al-Tirmidhi)

Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah was the most generous of people, and he was most generous in Ramadan when Jibreel met him to review the Qur’an.

Who Is Eligible to Receive Charity?

The following categories are entitled to receive charity in Islam:

• The poor and needy who lack their daily sustenance.
• Poor relatives.
• Orphans among relatives.
• Parents, as spending on them counts as charity.
• Charity given to one’s spouse and children.
• Wayfarers and students of knowledge.

Virtues of Charity in Ramadan

Charity in Ramadan is among the greatest forms of charity, as rewards are multiplied. Its virtues include:

• Charity repels calamities and extinguishes Allah’s anger.
• Multiplication of reward and good deeds.
• Forgiveness of sins.
• Purification of wealth and soul.
• Protection from Hellfire and opening the gates of Paradise.

Feeding a Fasting Person in Ramadan

Providing iftar to a fasting Muslim is among the greatest deeds, as it strengthens social bonds and spreads compassion. Its virtues include:

• Forgiveness of sins.
• Great reward equal to that of the fasting person.
• Blessings in provision and wealth.
• Blessings in life and happiness.

How to Feed a Fasting Person in Ramadan

• Offering dates or water.
• Providing full meals to the poor, needy, or workers in war-affected countries.
• Donating through trusted charitable organizations.
• Inviting fasting people to your home.

Zakat in the Month of Ramadan

Zakat in Ramadan is obligatory upon every capable Muslim and is divided into:

• Zakat al-Fitr: Obligatory for every Muslim and given before Eid prayer to help the poor.
• Zakat al-Mal: Obligatory after one lunar year has passed on wealth, and it is recommended to give it during Ramadan.

Zakat al-Fitr in Ramadan

The Prophet commanded giving Zakat al-Fitr as purification for the fasting person and support for the poor, enabling them to celebrate Eid without asking.

Ruling of Zakat al-Fitr

Zakat al-Fitr is obligatory upon every Muslim who possesses more than their daily needs.

It is given from sunset on the last day of Ramadan until before the Eid prayer.

Amount of Zakat al-Fitr

Zakat al-Fitr is one sa‘ of staple food (approximately 2.5–3 kg of rice, wheat, dates, or barley). It may be given in monetary value if it benefits the poor.

Best Time to Give Zakat al-Fitr

The best time is before the Eid prayer, though it may be given during the last two days of Ramadan.

If given after the Eid prayer, it counts as regular charity, not Zakat al-Fitr.

Who Is Eligible for Zakat al-Fitr?

Zakat al-Fitr is given to the poor and needy and may not be given to those whose maintenance is obligatory, such as one’s wife and children.

It may be distributed among more than one poor person.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the virtue of charity in Ramadan?

Charity in Ramadan brings multiplied rewards, forgiveness of sins, purification of wealth and soul, and strengthens social bonds.

What is the best form of charity?

The best charity includes kind words, smiling, removing harm from the road, and helping others.

How can one give charity in Ramadan?

By feeding fasting people, sponsoring orphans, giving ongoing charity, donating food baskets, and spreading kindness.

How much is charity multiplied in Ramadan?

Charity in Ramadan is multiplied many times over, especially during the last ten nights and Laylat al-Qadr.

What is the reward of charity in Ramadan?

Its reward is immense: forgiveness, mercy, expanded provision, Paradise, and protection from Hellfire.

What is the difference between giving and spending?

Giving is offering something out of affection, while spending is giving for the sake of Allah seeking His reward.