Ramadan is a month of spiritual rejuvenation and reflection for Muslims worldwide. It’s a time when Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, abstain from worldly pleasures, and focus on strengthening their relationship with Allah. However, Ramadan is not just about personal spiritual growth. It is also a time for Muslims to give back to their community and help those in need. For that reason, everyone tries to be the best version of themselves, including in the eyes of Allah.
Here are some ways to give back to the Muslim community this holy month and earn maximum rewards.
First Things First – Give Charity
One of the most significant ways you can make a difference in your community during Ramadan is by giving to charity. It’s an essential part of Islam and holds even greater importance during this month. While Muslims are encouraged to give to charity all year round, the rewards for giving during Ramadan are much greater. By donating to charity, you not only fulfill your religious duty but also help those in need and contribute to the betterment of society.
Charity holds a significant place in Islam as it is one of the five pillars of the faith. It allows Muslims to cleanse their wealth and gain blessings from Allah. In fact, the importance of charity is so great that the Holy Prophet emphasized its value;
“Sadaqah extinguishes sin as water extinguishes fire”
(Hadith, Tirmidhi)
The Quranic verses that emphasize the importance of giving to charity are numerous. Allah says in Surah Al-Baqarah of the Holy Quran:
“Who is it that would loan Allah a goodly loan so He may multiply it for him many times over? And it is Allah who withholds and grants abundance, and to Him you will be returned”
(Qur’an, 2: 245)
This verse highlights the importance of giving charity as Allah promises to double your wealth.
Shop Groceries For Someone Who Needs It
During Ramadan, it’s important to give back to those in need, and we can do so in any way possible. Many people today struggle to afford basic necessities such as groceries, and it’s important to recognize that not everyone has access to these essential items.
That’s why we should consider purchasing groceries for those who are less fortunate, whether they are our neighbors, relatives, friends, or even strangers. By doing so, we can make a positive impact on the lives of others and help uplift those who are struggling.
By providing them with items that will come in handy, along with a thing or two to spoil them, you can ensure they don’t prolong their fast after the Maghreb Adhan. You can spread the word via social media and mention your details to ensure the receiver’s dignity remains intact. This way, whoever is in dire need of food but is helpless will be able to receive items without having to compromise their dignity.
The Holy Prophet (S.A.W) is known to have said:
“Whoever provides the food for a fasting person to break his fast with, then for him is the same reward as his (the fasting person’s), without anything being diminished from the reward of the fasting person.”
(Tirmidhi (807))
You can also ask the people around you to donate to the cause, which will ease the burden off of you and allow the blessings and rewards to be shared. Although this may seem insignificant to many, putting food on one’s table, especially at the time of Iftar, is one of the best things you can do this month.
Help In Preparing Iftar
During Ramadan, women often take on the responsibility of preparing delicious meals for everyone at Iftar. While it’s a challenging task that requires getting the taste just right and working in extreme heat, it can also be a gratifying experience.
Breaking the fast with family and friends is a time to come together, share in the blessings of Ramadan, and create memories that last a lifetime.
In addition to food preparation, there are other things you can do to make Iftar a truly special occasion. For instance, you can adorn the table with stunning tablecloths, napkins, and candles. You might also bring out your unique dishes and silverware that are reserved exclusively for Ramadan. These small details add to the festive atmosphere and create a sense of warmth and hospitality for all.
Another way to make iftar special is by including foods that are meaningful to your family or culture. Maybe there’s a special dessert or dish that you only make during Ramadan. Including these dishes can help make Iftar feel even more special and memorable.
Overall, preparing Iftar in the kitchen is a beautiful way to come together with loved ones and share in the spirit of Ramadan. It’s a time to slow down, appreciate our lives’ blessings, and enjoy delicious food together. Get cooking, set the table, and enjoy a beautiful iftar with your family and friends!
Donate In Any & Every Possible Way
Donations don’t only have to be monetary. There are innumerable ways to donate. You can donate clothes, personal belongings, blood, your time to a good cause, and so forth. The list is never-ending! You just have to have pure intentions and do things without expecting anything in return.
Donating blood is one of the most virtuous forms of charity, known as Sadaqah in Islam. By donating blood, you give someone in need a fighting chance at life, which is truly a beautiful act.
However, if you are unable to donate blood for any reason, there are still many ways to help those in need. Take the opportunity to go through your belongings and donate items that you no longer use or that you have been planning to give away. These donations can go to orphanages, old homes, or NGOs, helping others in need and earning the highest rewards in Allah’s eyes.
Volunteering for social causes and movements is another fantastic way to give back to society. It involves taking a step back from our busy lives and immersing ourselves in the shoes of those who are less fortunate. It’s a humbling experience and gives you the best possible reality check to instill a sense of community service and volunteer work in you!
Conclusion
Ramadan is here to help. It’s arguably the best month of the Islamic calendar because it multiplies your deeds manifold and gives you countless ways of earning blessings and rewards. Ramadan is the month that brings the entire Muslim Ummah together as one, so you can join in on giving back whenever you feel like doing so.
Ramadan Mubarak!
