Thu Apr 24 2025, 02:46 AM

Islam and Spiritualism ( 15 Apr 2023, NewAgeIslam.Com)

Ramadan—the Month of Generosity and Charity: Thirty Lessons of Ramadan – Part 24

By Mufti Abdul Malik Misbahi, New Age Islam

Translated into English by Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi, New Age Islam

15 April 2023

Ramadan—the Month of Generosity and Charity

Ramadan is a time for performing good actions. It depicts several methods of performing good actions. The importance of reward increases in this month compared to other months, as evidenced by hadiths. Mercy, good treatment with the families, and charity are other effective ways to carry out good deeds throughout this blessed month. On regular days, the Prophet (peace be upon him) would pour out rivers of compassion and charity. However, the river of his kindness used to flow faster during Ramadan. In this regard, Hazrat Abdullah Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) says:

Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) was the most generous of people, but in the month of Ramadan, he became more generous than the wind for all kinds of good. (Bukhari and Muslim)

When describing this hadith, Ibn Hajar Asqalani states: "Just as the bounties of a strong wind are frequent and everything receives its benefit quickly, similarly, the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to bestow blessings upon people with speed." (Page 39 of Majlis Ramadaniya)

In "Lataaif al-Ma'arif", it is stated to what extent the Prophet (peace be upon him) was benevolent and generous. He used to shower the people with beauty and enlightenment and devote all of his wealth to serving them and advancing the cause of Islam. He used to feed the poor, give them direction, and attend to all of their needs. (Also p. 39)

All through the year, one should perform an act of kindness that Allah Almighty himself has commanded, with the only purpose of gaining His pleasure. The noble deed of generosity should be enhanced as well as all other forms of prayer and acts that please our Lord when the Holy Month of Ramadan begins.

The prophet (peace be upon him) is reported to have said, “Ramadan is an honourable and blessed month, and the rewards for generosity are multiplied in it. The best charity is that which is given in Ramadan” (Tirmidhi). This Hadith demonstrates how giving to others is more valuable during Ramadan. Ramadan is thus a time of Sadaqah.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) describes the benefits of generosity, saying that "it [Sadaqah] extinguishes the wrath of the Almighty and averts an evil death." (Tirmidhi, Vol. 2, p. 146)

The Prophet (peace be upon him) is reported to have said: Verily, by the acts of charity and mercy, Allah extends life [of those practise generosity and mercy], prevents evil death and eliminates disgust and terror. (Musnad Anas Ibn Malik 3 p. 398)

Spending, in this blessed month, the wealth provided by Allah Almighty is the way for someone to be purified of their sins. As demonstrated by the hadith reported in Sahih Muslim, "Sadaqah does not decrease one's wealth; rather, it is the cause of more wealth and blessing," The Holy Qur'an also attests to this fact:

“Allah deprives interest of all blessing, whereas He blesses charity with growth.” (2:276)

During Ramadan, when we experience the effects of hunger while fasting, we develop closer bonds with those who frequently experience hunger as a result of a lack of food. Thus, there are two advantages to fasting. It tests your self-control and your obedience to Allah, the Almighty, and it constantly acts as a reminder of the predicament of those who are enduring hunger. This emotion inspires and empowers us to assist others. Giving to these families this month will have a positive spiritual and material impact on them.

The scholars of Ahlus Sunnah frequently cite a pertinent Hadith in this regard: "In the sight of Allah Almighty, the most beloved deed of all, after the obligatory acts, is to make a Muslim happy." (Al-Mu’jam al-Awsat 6/73)

The best method to make others happy is through charity; therefore during this month of Ramadan, one must strive to do as many good deeds as they can by meeting as many needs of people as they can.

May Allah Almighty grant us all to do this action! Aameen

(Continued)

-------

Mufti Abdul Malik Misbahi is the author of multiple books. He has also lectured and held positions such as Mufti, Shaykhul Hadith, president, founder, and director at a number of institutions, including Darul Uloom Ghousia in Hubli, Karnataka, and Darul Uoom Solemaniya Rahmaniya in Bikaner Darul Uloom Reza-e-Mustafa, Bihar, Madrasa Shah Khalid, Vanwa Libo Muslim League, Fiji (near Australia), Madina Educational Society, Rajasthan. He currently holds the positions of Mufti in the Sunni Darul Ifta in the Madina Masjid, General Secretary of the Raza Foundation, Director of the Darain Academy, Founder of the Afkar-e- Raza Institution, and Chief Editor of the Do-Maahi Raza-e-Madina (Urdu, Hindi) in Azadnagar, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand.