Hadith About Charity in Ramadan: The Virtue of Giving

Ramadan is a month of mercy, generosity, and spiritual growth. It is a time when good deeds are multiplied, and the rewards for acts of kindness are far greater than in any other time of the year. Among the most virtuous deeds in this sacred month is giving charity, which not only helps those in need but also purifies the soul and brings immense blessings. 

Donating in Ramadan carries even greater rewards, as the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was known for his exceptional generosity during this time, encouraging believers to give abundantly. But what does Islam say about charity in Ramadan?

Let’s explore at Madrasat El Quran, What did the Prophet say about charity in Ramadan and highlight the virtues and rewards of giving during this blessed month.

Why Is Charity Important in Ramadan?

Charity (Sadaqah) holds immense significance in Islam, and its rewards are multiplied during Ramadan, the month of mercy, generosity, and blessings. Here’s why giving charity in Ramadan is especially important:

1. Spiritual Rewards: Giving charity during Ramadan is highly rewarded, as good deeds are multiplied in this sacred month.
2. Purification of Wealth: Zakat, an obligatory form of charity, helps cleanse one’s earnings and supports economic balance.
3. Helping Those in Need: Many people struggle with poverty and hunger, and Ramadan is a time to ease their hardships.
4. Strengthening Community Bonds: Acts of giving foster unity and social responsibility, reinforcing the values of empathy and kindness.

Giving Sadaqah in Ramadan is an opportunity to cleanse your wealth, uplift the needy, and earn boundless blessings. Whether you contribute by feeding the poor, supporting orphans, or aiding those in distress, every act of generosity brings immeasurable rewards. Don’t let this blessed month pass without seizing its limitless spiritual benefits!

Rewards of Giving Charity in Ramadan

Giving charity in Ramadan carries immense rewards and blessings. It is a time when good deeds are multiplied, and acts of generosity bring countless spiritual and worldly benefits:

1. Multiplied Rewards: Every act of charity in Ramadan is rewarded many times over, as this is the month of mercy and blessings.
2. Forgiveness of Sins: Charity helps erase sins and brings one closer to Allah’s mercy.
3. Increased Barakah (Blessings): Giving to those in need invites prosperity and abundance into your life.
4. Providing for the Needy: Your donations help feed the hungry, support the poor, and provide essential aid.
5. Attaining Allah’s Pleasure: Sincere charity earns Allah’s love and strengthens faith.
6. Following the Sunnah: The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was the most generous in Ramadan, setting an example for all Muslims.

This Ramadan, maximize your rewards by giving generously and helping those in need!

Hadith About Charity in Ramadan

Charity holds immense rewards in Islam, and its significance is even greater during Ramadan. Many authentic hadiths emphasize the virtues of giving in this blessed month. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was known for his exceptional generosity, and he increased his charitable acts during Ramadan.

The Generosity of the Prophet ﷺ in Ramadan

Abdullah ibn Abbas (رضي الله عنهما) reported:

كان رسول الله ﷺ أجود الناس وكان أجود ما يكون في رمضان حين يلقاه جبريل.. فإذا لقيه جبريل كان أجود بالخير من الريح المرسلة

“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ was the most generous of people, and he was even more generous during Ramadan when Jibreel met him… When Jibreel met him, he was more generous in doing good than the blowing wind.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)

This hadith highlights how the Prophet ﷺ increased his generosity during Ramadan, setting an example for all Muslims to follow.

A Call to Do Good in Ramadan

Anas (رضي الله عنه) narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said:

إذا كانت أول ليلة من رمضان، نادى منادٍ؛ يا باغي الخير أقبل، ويا باغي الشر أقصر

“When the first night of Ramadan comes, a caller announces: ‘O seeker of good, come forward! O seeker of evil, stop!’”
(Sunan Ibn Majah)

This hadith emphasizes that Ramadan is a special time when the doors of mercy are wide open, and believers are encouraged to increase their good deeds, including charity.

The Best Charity Is Given in Ramadan

Anas ibn Malik (رضي الله عنه) reported that the Prophet ﷺ said:

أفضل الصدقة صدقة في رمضان

“The best charity is the charity given in Ramadan.”

This hadith shows that while charity is always a virtuous act, its reward is multiplied when given in Ramadan due to the spiritual significance of the month.

Who Is Eligible to Receive Charity in Islam?

In Islam, charity (Sadaqah and Zakat) is a fundamental act of worship that helps support those in need. The Qur’an and Sunnah specify clear guidelines on who is eligible to receive charity, ensuring that it reaches the most deserving individuals.

The Eight Categories of Zakat Recipients

According to the Qur’an, there are eight categories of people who are entitled to receive Zakat, as stated in:

“Zakat expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy, and for those employed to collect [Zakat], and for bringing hearts together [for Islam], and for freeing captives [or slaves], and for those in debt, and for the cause of Allah, and for the stranded traveler—an obligation [imposed] by Allah. And Allah is Knowing and Wise.”

Surah At-Tawbah (9:60)

These eight categories include:

1. The Poor (Al-Fuqara’): Individuals with no means of income who struggle to meet their basic needs.
2. The Needy (Al-Masakin): Those who have some resources but still lack sufficient necessities for a stable life.
3. Zakat Administrators (Al-‘Amilina ‘Alayha): Those responsible for collecting, managing, and distributing Zakat funds.
4. Those Whose Hearts Are to Be Reconciled (Al-Mu’allafatu Qulubuhum): Converts to Islam or individuals whose faith needs strengthening.
5. Freeing Captives (Fi Ar-Riqab): Helping to free Muslim slaves or prisoners in captivity.
6. The Indebted (Al-Gharimun): People who are overwhelmed by debt and cannot repay what they owe.
7. In the Cause of Allah (Fi Sabilillah): Those striving for the sake of Islam, including religious and humanitarian efforts.
8. The Wayfarer (Ibn As-Sabil): A traveler stranded without financial means to return home.

Can Charity Be Given to Family Members?

In addition to these categories, charity can also be given to relatives and family members, particularly if they are in need. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

الصدقة على المسكين صدقة، وعلى ذي الرحم ثنتان: صدقة، وصلة

“Giving charity to a poor person is charity, but giving it to a relative is both charity and upholding family ties.”
(Sunan At-Tirmidhi)

Ways to Give Charity in Ramadan

There are numerous ways to give charity during Ramadan, including:

• Zakat: The mandatory donation of 2.5% of one’s savings to help the underprivileged.
• Sadaqah (Voluntary Charity): Any form of giving, whether financial support, feeding the hungry, or acts of kindness.
• Providing Iftar Meals: Helping to feed fasting individuals, either by direct donations or by organizing community meals.
• Supporting Humanitarian Causes: Donating to organizations that provide aid to refugees, orphans, and those in crisis.

Conclusion

Ramadan is the month of mercy, generosity, and blessings. The hadiths clearly show the great reward of charity in this sacred time. Whether through feeding the poor, helping those in need, or supporting charitable causes, giving in Ramadan not only benefits the less fortunate but also brings immense spiritual rewards and draws a believer closer to Allah.

FAQ: Hadith About Charity in Ramadan