The blessed month of Ramadan is fast approaching. The ninth month of the Hijri calendar, the period of Ramadan is a blessed time for more than two billion Muslims around the world.
On this occasion, believers fast and focus their attention on the reading of the Holy Quran, spirituality and benevolence towards people in difficulty. In 2022, Ramadan will begin around Saturday April 2. The precise and official date will be determined by the observation of the new moon made during the Night of Doubt.
During Ramadan, fasting is obligatory for Muslims who are able to do so. Fasting from sunrise to sunset is representative of spiritual cleansing, an effort to draw closer to God, and an attempt to better understand the suffering of the needy.
Charity, a great virtue
The act of fasting calls on Muslims to practice self-discipline and sacrifice, as well as to be reflective and compassionate towards the poor and less fortunate. Charity has great rewards.
This is why the Prophet ﷺ repeatedly exhorted him and made it clear that charity never reduces one’s wealth; on the contrary, it increases it.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “The alms we give in no way diminish the goods we have. Allah adds to the indulgent servant only consideration. No one humbles himself for Allah unless He exalts him. »
[Muslim, Riyad as-Salihin n°556]
Muslims are reminded to be generous and increase their charitable activities. As a result, during Ramadan much of the charitable giving is done by the community. Donations are generally focused on giving to people stricken by poverty and hunger.
For the Ramadan 2022, many humanitarian organizations ensure the distribution of hot meals to people in great precariousness during the blessed month of Ramadan. The community has a duty to engage more during this period through financial donations and/or volunteering.
Eid al-Fitr
At the end of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr (the feast of breaking the fast). During Eid al-Fitr, Muslims begin their day with a group prayer before spending time with family. This day is particularly appreciated by children who receive many gifts for the occasion.
Muslims may want to continue their Ramadan-inspired philanthropy by offering a charity gift card where recipients can donate to the charity of their choice.
What is Zakat al-Fitr?
It is an alms linked to the fast of the month of Ramadan and paid before the feast of Eid al-Fitr. According to a prophetic tradition, the reward of everyone’s fasting remains dependent on the payment of Zakât al-Fitr to the poor. It makes it possible to fill in the imperfections of the act of fasting and to share the joy of the feast with the poorest.
Its amount?
The measurements known in the prophetic era materialized by a “sâ” (= 4 mudd) of the majority food of the country, are approximate measurement units. The assessment of the actual weight of the food, which depends on the nature of the food weighed, its type and its shape, gives a range of 2.6 kg to 3 kg. Therefore, as a precautionary principle and as far as possible, it is recommended to take the highest measurement, i.e. 3kg: “And if someone does more of his own accord, it’s for him” (Quran 2:184).
Ramadan: between fasting, spirituality and charity | alNas.fr