The virtue of charity and Zakat and their importance in Ramadan

Allah Almighty has made charity the believer’s finest path to purifying wealth and increasing sustenance. He has promised those who give charity multiplied reward and great recompense, as they become a reason for spreading goodness.

Is there anything more beautiful than keeping charity as a constant companion, paving our way to Paradise and becoming a shade for its giver on the Day of Judgment through humanitarian deeds that require generosity, giving, and sacrifice—following the example of our noble Prophet ﷺ, who said: “Every person will be under the shade of his charity until judgment is passed among people.”

Therefore, follow us in today’s article as we explore the virtue of charity in Ramadan, the best times to give it, and the most beautiful manifestations of generosity and giving during the blessed month.

Charity in Islam

Charity is anything given to those in need—money, clothing, food, or even a kind word—with the intention of seeking Allah’s pleasure and drawing closer to Him. Allah Almighty says: “Methal of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed which grows seven ears; in every ear there are a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies for whom He wills. And Allah is All-Encompassing, All-Knowing.” (Al-Baqarah: 261)

Charity in Islam symbolizes mercy and benevolence, and its purpose is to spread goodness and improve the conditions of the poor and needy.

Types of Charity in Islam

Charity in Islam is divided into two main types:

• Obligatory charity: This refers to Zakat, which is obligatory upon every capable Muslim from the wealthy class. Its recipients are mentioned in the Book of Allah: the poor, the needy, those employed to collect it, those whose hearts are to be reconciled, freeing captives, those in debt, in the cause of Allah, and the traveler.
• Voluntary charity: This is given voluntarily seeking Allah’s pleasure and forgiveness. It includes donating money, clothes, food, ongoing charity, a smile, and kind words.

Benefits of Charity in Islam

Charity has great benefits and immense virtue, including:

• Multiplication of reward and recompense.
• Erasing sins and expelling calamities.
• Increasing blessings and sustenance.
• Protecting its giver from Hellfire.
• Strengthening social bonds and relationships.

Zakat in Islam

Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam. It means giving a portion of one’s wealth to those entitled to it, with the aim of supporting the poor and needy, improving their living conditions, and achieving social solidarity.

Conditions of Zakat in Islam

Several conditions must be met for Zakat to be valid:

• The payer must be a Muslim believer.
• The payer must be free.
• The payer must be adult, sane, and mature.
• The wealth must be capable of growth, such as livestock, crops, or money.
• The wealth must reach the nisab (minimum threshold).
• The wealth must exceed basic personal needs.
• The wealth must be free from debts.
• A full lunar year must pass, except for crops and fruits which are due at harvest.

Types of Zakat in Islam

The obligatory types of Zakat include:

• Zakat on money: Obligatory on every well-off Muslim, amounting to 2.5% of total wealth.
• Zakat al-Fitr: Given at the end of Ramadan as food or its monetary equivalent.
• Zakat on trade goods, calculated after one full year if nisab is reached.
• Zakat on crops and fruits, paid at harvest.
• Zakat on livestock such as camels, sheep, and cattle under specific conditions.

Those Entitled to Receive Zakat

According to Islamic law, Zakat is given to the following groups:

• The poor and needy.
• Those in debt.
• Those striving in the cause of Allah.
• The traveler in need.
• Those employed to collect Zakat.
• Those whose hearts are to be reconciled.
• Freeing captives.

Generosity and Giving in the Blessed Month of Ramadan

Ramadan is the month of generosity and kindness, in which Muslims follow the example of the Prophet’s generosity and giving. This generosity brings immense reward and purifies both wealth and soul.

The Most Beautiful Forms of Generosity in Ramadan

• Generosity through worship and reading the Qur’an, as Ramadan is the greatest opportunity to draw closer to Allah.
• Generosity through charity and wealth, following the Prophet’s example and trusting that Allah multiplies what is given.

How to Revive Generosity and Giving in Ramadan

Muslims can revive generosity through:

• Giving abundant charity and feeding fasting people.
• Donating through charitable organizations such as Al-Wafaa Association.
• Participating in charitable campaigns.
• Avoiding stinginess and giving generously to the needy.
• Paying attention to people’s needs and helping them.

The Virtue and Fruits of Charity in Ramadan

Charity in Ramadan brings great success and immense reward, combining fasting and giving while spreading joy among the needy.

Giving Strengthens Society

• Enhancing solidarity and love within society.
• Building trust and care among people.
• Strengthening emotional bonds.
• Providing inner satisfaction and fulfillment.
• Increasing social energy and cooperation.

Expansion of Sustenance

• Charity increases wealth and blessings.
• It eases hardships and brings facilitation.
• It repels poverty and brings abundance.
• Charity is a means to attract provision.

Advancing or Delaying Zakat in Ramadan

• Zakat al-Fitr is given from sunset of the last day of Ramadan until before Eid prayer and may be given earlier if needed.
• Zakat on wealth is due after one lunar year, and it may be paid in Ramadan if its due time coincides.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I give charity daily in Ramadan?

• Feeding a fasting person daily.
• Helping prepare food for fasting people.
• Donating to charitable organizations.
• Smiling and saying kind words.
• Giving ongoing charity.

Is donating considered charity?

Yes, donating is considered charity as it involves helping the needy for the sake of Allah.

What are the best forms of charity in Ramadan?

• Food donations.
• Medical aid.
• Clothing and shoes.
• Toys and gifts for children.

How can I give charity daily?

By giving a small daily amount, preparing meals for fasting people, volunteering, or offering kind words and smiles.

How much is charity in Ramadan?

There is no fixed amount; it depends on one’s ability, and its reward is multiplied.

How much is Zakat al-Fitr?

Zakat al-Fitr equals one sa‘ (approximately 2.5 kg) of staple food per person.