Lit. “charity” or “almsgiving.”
On the Virtue of Charity in Ramadan
By Shaykh Ṣāliḥ al-Fawzān (حفظه الله)
The Shaykh, Ṣāliḥ al-Fawzān (حفظه الله), was asked about the virtue of charity in the blessed month of Ramadan, a virtuous time in which righteous deeds increase and Muslims throughout the world strive toward acts of obedience. The inquiry also addressed the significance of specifying this noble month for the performance of charity.
He (حفظه الله) responded:
“Charity is recommended at all times, and in it there is a great reward.
Allah, Glorified and Exalted, has praised those who give charity and has promised them an abundant reward and recompense.
Allah, Glorified and Exalted, said:
مَّن ذَا ٱلَّذِى يُقْرِضُ ٱللَّهَ قَرْضًا حَسَنًۭا فَيُضَـٰعِفَهُۥ لَهُۥ وَلَهُۥٓ أَجْرٌۭ كَرِيمٌۭ
“Who is he that will lend to Allah a goodly loan, then (Allah) will increase it manifold to his credit (in repaying), and he will have (besides) a good reward (i.e., Paradise).”
(Surah Al-Hadid 57:11 — Muhsin Khan)
Allah, Glorified and Exalted, said:
مَّثَلُ ٱلَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ أَمْوَٰلَهُمْ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ كَمَثَلِ حَبَّةٍ أَنۢبَتَتْ سَبْعَ سَنَابِلَ فِى كُلِّ سُنۢبُلَةٍۢ مِّا۟ئَةُ حَبَّةٍۢ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ يُضَـٰعِفُ لِمَن يَشَآءُ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ وَٰسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ
“The likeness of those who spend their wealth in the Way of Allah is as the likeness of a grain (of corn); it grows seven ears, and each ear has a hundred grains. Allah gives manifold increase to whom He pleases. And Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures’ needs, All-Knower.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:261 — Muhsin Khan)
ٱلَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ أَمْوَٰلَهُمْ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ ثُمَّ لَا يُتْبِعُونَ مَآ أَنفَقُوا۟ مَنًّۭا وَلَآ أَذًۭى ۙ لَّهُمْ أَجْرُهُمْ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ وَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ
“Those who spend their wealth in the Cause of Allah, and do not follow up their gifts with reminders of their generosity or with injury, their reward is with their Lord. On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:262 — Muhsin Khan)
قَوْلٌۭ مَّعْرُوفٌۭ وَمَغْفِرَةٌ خَيْرٌۭ مِّن صَدَقَةٍۢ يَتْبَعُهَآ أَذًۭى ۗ وَٱللَّهُ غَنِىٌّ حَلِيمٌۭ
“Kind words and forgiving of faults are better than charity followed by injury. And Allah is Rich (Free of all needs), Most Forbearing.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:263 — Muhsin Khan)
Allah, Glorified and Exalted, said:
وَمَآ أَنفَقْتُم مِّن نَّفَقَةٍ أَوْ نَذَرْتُم مِّن نَّذْرٍۢ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَعْلَمُهُۥ ۗ
“And whatever you spend for spendings (e.g., in Sadaqah – charity for Allah’s Cause) or whatever vow you make, be sure Allah knows it all.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:270 — Muhsin Khan)
Allah, Glorified and Exalted, said:
إِن تُبْدُوا۟ ٱلصَّدَقَـٰتِ فَنِعِمَّا هِىَ ۖ وَإِن تُخْفُوهَا وَتُؤْتُوهَا ٱلْفُقَرَآءَ فَهُوَ خَيْرٌۭ لَّكُمْ ۚ وَيُكَفِّرُ عَنكُم مِّن سَيِّـَٔاتِكُمْ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِيرٌۭ
“If you disclose your Sadaqat (almsgiving), it is well; but if you conceal them and give them to the poor, that is better for you. (Allah) will expiate you some of your sins. And Allah is Well-Acquainted with what you do.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:271 — Muhsin Khan)
Allah, Glorified and Exalted, said:
وَيُطْعِمُونَ ٱلطَّعَامَ عَلَىٰ حُبِّهِۦ مِسْكِينًۭا وَيَتِيمًۭا وَأَسِيرًا
إِنَّمَا نُطْعِمُكُمْ لِوَجْهِ ٱللَّهِ لَا نُرِيدُ مِنكُمْ جَزَآءًۭ وَلَا شُكُورًا“And they give food, in spite of their love for it (or for the love of Him), to the Miskin (poor), the orphan, and the captive, (saying): ‘We feed you seeking Allah’s Countenance only. We wish for no reward, nor thanks from you.’”
(Surah Al-Insan 76:8–9 — Muhsin Khan)
Charity in Ramadan holds additional virtue because deeds are multiplied during this blessed month, and many of those who fast may lack sufficient food. If they are fed, it helps them in fasting.
It is reported in the Ḥadīth: “Whoever provides food for a fasting person to break his fast will have a reward like his…” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, authenticated by al-Albani).
The Companions said, “O Messenger of Allah, not all of us find something with which to give food to a fasting person.” He, peace and blessings be upon him, replied, “Allah gives this reward to whoever provides a fasting person with a date, or a sip of water, or a sip of milk.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, authenticated by al-Albani).
There is no doubt that charity in Ramadan carries increased reward and greater virtue, due to the honor of the time and because the need of the poor and needy may become stronger during this blessed month.”
End quote.
May Allah ﷻ accept from us.
Aameen!
The Enduring Good Deeds 