Ramadhan Diaries: Charity – Positive Reflection Of The Week
Ramadhan Diaries (Part 2) – Charity, A Source Of Salvation
“Ramadan is an honourable and blessed month, and the rewards for generosity are multiplied in it”.
The Human race has come a long way. It has evolved not only in the technological and medical realms but also in the social realm. As Human beings, we have an inbuilt inclination to assist each other. This quality is highly recommended in Islam which encourages giving charity and helping others. Charity is not only beneficial for those who receive it but there also lays a great reward for the ones who give. It is essentially food for the soul and serves as a means of salvation as well.
The existence of countless starving, poor, hungry and destitute Muslims and non-Muslims in the world points to the need for the act of Charity to be put into practice. Wealthy and prosperous Muslims may not realize how their wealth could strengthen and build whole communities.
“Your smile for your brother is a charity. Your removal of stones, thorns or bones from the paths of people is a charity. Your guidance of a person who is lost is a charity.” (Bukhari)
CHARITY IN ITS VARIOUS FORMS
Charity, in Islam, is not limited to its monetary aspect only. Here are some ways where you can be charitable to fellow Muslims and non-Muslims:
Relieving a person in Debt is Charity – It is considered an act of charity if someone owes you money, and you give the debtor more time to pay back his loan, or even cancel out the person’s debt.
Helping Family in Need – Charity begins at home. If there is a family member that is in need, then it is acceptable to give one’s charity to one’s own family.
Charity That Keeps On Giving (Sadaqa Jariya) – If a person performs an act of charity that will continue to benefit the recipient(s), the giver of that charity will continue to receive blessings for the single act of charity for as long as it continues to benefit others (even after that person has passed away). This is known as Sadaqa Jariyah, or Perpetual Charity.
Charity serves as a way to bring justice, balance and kindness to every society and community. It unites people of all faiths while building bridges to reach out to the less fortunate. It is my prayer that the Muslim and non-Muslim community fulfil their charitable duty correctly and does their part to eliminating poverty in communities everywhere.
“Charity is never obligatory it is always additional. There’s no twisting your arm to do good.”
Ramadhan Diaries: Charity, A Source Of Salvation
Alia Datoo, Transformational Holistic Energy Coach
Founder, Women who Hike – Africa Ltd
