“You who believe, fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may be mindful of God.” 2:183
As we embark on the spiritual journey of Ramadan, embracing the discipline of fasting from dawn till dusk, we immerse ourselves in a profound sense of gratitude for the abundant blessings bestowed upon us. Through the enduring hours of abstinence from food and water, lasting over 10+ hours each day, we come to cherish the bounties of food and water that grace our lives. Yet, as we anticipate breaking our fast with a hearty feast, it's imperative to acknowledge that for countless individuals across the globe, such luxuries remain but distant dreams.
Zakat
Embedded within the fabric of Islam lies the noble concept of Zakat, a sacred duty incumbent upon every believer. It stands as one of the five pillars of Islam, embodying the essence of charity and compassion. Zakat, constituting an obligatory payment of 2.5% of one's wealth, serves as a means to purify our possessions and reaffirm our moral obligation to uplift the less fortunate. However, beyond the confines of Zakat, there exist different avenues of charity.
Zakat is there to act as an aid for those who are struggling in the following categories:
Sadaqah
Beyond the obligatory realm of Zakat lies Sadaqah, a beacon of voluntary charity illuminating the path of righteousness. It beckons us to transcend limitations, offering boundless opportunities to express gratitude to the Almighty. In the spirit of Sadaqah, there are no confines or restrictions; one may bestow charity in any measure deemed fit, as an earnest gesture of devotion and thanksgiving.
The profound significance of charitable deeds is eloquently encapsulated in a poignant hadith:
The Prophet SAW said that: “The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be their charity.”(Hadith, Tirmidhi).
Fidya
In moments of frailty and vulnerability, when illness or infirmity impedes our ability to observe the fast, Fidya emerges as a redemptive act of compassion. It serves as a symbolic gesture of solidarity with those unable to partake in the physical rigors of fasting, offering solace to weary souls and nourishment to hungry hearts.
Allah's divine wisdom illuminates the concept of Fidya, as articulated in the Quran:
“Fasting is for a fixed number of days, and if one of you be sick, or if one of you be on a journey, you will fast the same number of other days later on. For those who are capable of fasting (but with hardship) there is a redemption: feeding a needy man for each day missed. Whoever voluntarily does more good than is required, will find it better for him; and that you should fast is better for you, if you only know.” (Qur’an 2:184)
Kaffarah
Kaffarah is an important form of donation that is required if an individual deliberately breaches or fails to observe their fasts without a valid reason. It's a profound act of repentance and seeking forgiveness, sanctioned by Allah, wherein the individual has the opportunity to atone by either observing consecutive fasting for 60 days or by providing sustenance to 60 needy individuals for each missed or broken fast.
“Do not show lethargy or negligence in giving alms and charity till your last breath.” (Bukhari and Muslim).
Zakat al Fitr
Ramadan has a special type of charity known as Zakat al Fitr, which is a unique charity bestowed during the final days of Ramadan, heralding the joyous occasion of Eid. Symbolizing unity and communal solidarity, Fitrah embodies the essence of sharing and compassion, ensuring that every member of the community partakes in the festivities of Eid.
Within the month of Ramadan, myriad opportunities for charitable giving abound, be it through Zakat, Sadaqah, or Fitrana. Each act of benevolence weaves a thread of hope and compassion, enriching the lives of the less fortunate and nurturing the spirit of solidarity.
Even in the absence of monetary means, the spirit of charity finds expression through acts of kindness and service. Whether through volunteering at local mosques or engaging in charitable endeavors, every gesture, no matter how small, resonates with divine grace and benevolence.
For those seeking a seamless means of contributing to charitable causes, Human Appeal’s Your 30 Nights feature offers a convenient platform for automating donations. By setting up nightly contributions, individuals can alleviate the burden of remembrance, ensuring a continuous stream of blessings throughout the sacred month of Ramadan.
The Prophet (saw) said, “A charity is due for every joint in each person on every day the sun comes up.” [Bukhari]
May Allah accept our fasting and standing in prayer and the best of our dua this Ramadan.
