Charity In Ramadhan

Generosity and giving are attributes that Allah likes for Muslims to have. Also, Allah is the most Generous and Giving of all. Indeed, Allah’s Generosity multiplies in Ramadhan. Similarly, the Prophet’s generosity increased in Ramadhan, and indeed he is the man whose personality entails all the attributes mankind seek.

Narrated Ibn Abbas (ra), that Allah's Apostle was the most generous of all the people, and he used to reach the peak in generosity in the month of Ramadan when Gabriel (Jibraeel) met him. Gabriel used to meet him every night of Ramadan to teach him the Qur'an. Allah's Apostle was the most generous person, even more generous than the strong uncontrollable wind (in readiness and haste to do charitable deeds). [Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 1 (Revelation), Hadith no. 5, Translated M.Muhsin Khan] 

This increased generosity of the Prophet in Ramadhan has several reasons and indications that we have to pay attention to, among them are:

1. Ramadhan is an honorable and blessed month, and the rewards for generosity are multiplied in it.

2. This is a source of help and support, especially the ones fasting. To encourage this, Narrated Zayd ibn Khalid Jubayni (ra), the Prophet said,

"He who provides for the breaking of the fast of another earns the same merit as the one who was observing the fast, without diminishing in any way the reward of the latter." [Tirmidhi Hadith no. 378]

The fasting person abandons food and drink in Ramadhan. Thus, when he gives others what he is craving for, this sacrifice would generate greater rewards, Allah willing.

3. Ramadhan is the month of giving and mercy, and in it Allah blesses the believers with forgiveness and being saved from Hellfire. Therefore, whoever is merciful and giving in Ramadhan, Allah will be even more Merciful and Giving, and will bestow upon him countless bounties and blessings.

4. Charity and fasting are a stronger and more effective barrier that will keep the person away from the Fire. As for fasting and Charity, Narrated Mu'adh ibn Jabal (ra), the Prophet had said,

"The fasting is a shield against evil, the charity extinguishes (the fire of sin) just as water extinguishes fire," [Transmitted by Tirmidhi Hadith no. 2, Ahmad, Ibn Majah]

In Ramadhan all these acts takes place, fasting, prayer at night, and charity. The fasting person is sternly prohibited from evil and useless speech. Thus, performing all these deeds and attaining such unique bounties can be easily attained during Ramadhan by the fasting person.

Allah subhan wata'ala knows best.