The Benefits of Giving Zakat and Sadaqah in Ramadan

Ramadan is the best of months. Allah (SWT) has granted it special significance by making it a means of forgiveness. According to a hadith, Prophet (SAW) said:

“Whoever fasts Ramadan out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” [Bukhari, 2014]

The month of Ramadan has been honoured with the revelation of the Quran. The first revelation came on the Night of Power, which is one of the last 10 odd nights of Ramadan. This glorious night is better than one thousand nights in the words of the Quran. Ramadan is the month when charitable deeds are multiplied by thousands. Because of its virtue, the believers strive hard to engage in righteous acts of worship during the holy month.

 The Difference Between Zakat and Sadaqah

Zakat is an obligatory act of worship and the third pillar of Islam. In Arabic, Zakat means growth, blessing and purification. It means worshipping Allah (SWT) by obeying Him and paying what is prescribed from one’s wealth to those eligible in the light of the Quran. Zakat is surrounded by many rules and regulations, some of which are mentioned below:

• It is 2.5 per cent of one’s wealth and has to be paid once one Hijri has passed since the possession of wealth.
• Zakat is based on specific things like gold, silver, crops, fruits, livestock, and money over the threshold of nisab.
• The amount of Zakat has to be given to specific people mentioned in the Quran.
• Zakat cannot be given to one’s dependants, the rich and the non-Muslims.

What Does Sadaqah Mean?

Sadaqah is derived from the word ‘sidq’ in Arabic which means sincerity. Sadaqah is the sign of sincerity of faith on behalf of the believer. It is a way of showing dedication to Allah (SWT) by making a voluntary donation of one’s wealth without being required to do so.

There are no specific rules and guidelines for Sadaqah. It is not compulsory for any kind of wealth and can be given to anyone at any time and in any amount. Sadaqah can be given to dependants, non-Muslims and even the rich in certain circumstances.

Sadaqah in Ramadan

Despite Sadaqah being a voluntary charity, Islam places great importance on this.

“O you who believe! Spend of that with which We have provided for you, before a Day comes when there will be no bargaining, nor friendship, nor intercession. And it is the disbelievers who are the wrongdoers” [al-Baqarah 2:254] 

 

Allah (SWT) condemns those who do not look after the needy and the orphans in the Quran. Not feeding the needy and not encouraging others to do so has been compared with the disbelief in Allah (SWT).

“Indeed, he did not believe in Allah, the Almighty,

and did not persuade (others) to feed the needy.” [69:33-34]

In Ramadan, Sadaqah takes on a special dimension. The believers actively engage in charitable deeds to earn multiplied rewards and blessings of Ramadan. According to hadith, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to be the most generous during Ramadan. The increase in the generosity of the Prophet (SAW) has been compared to “racing winds” during the holy month in one of the narrations.

The Benefits of Sadaqah in Ramadan

In addition to reward in abundance, Sadaqah in Ramadan brings many benefits. In general, Sadaqah is a shield of a believer against calamity. It is a means of an increase in one’s wealth and elevating the status of a Muslim.

“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” [al-Baqarah 2:262]

Sadaqah given in Ramadan brings all these benefits with increased blessing and acceptance of Allah (SWT). Charitable deeds performed in Ramadan are increased manifold due to the special virtue and mercy attached to this month.

In addition to this, there are many Muslims who struggle to find nutritious meals for beginning or breaking their fast. Charity given during this time can provide needy individuals and families with a nice Iftar and Suhoor. Feeding a fasting person is a matter of great reward. In a hadith, Prophet (SAW) said:

 “Whoever gives iftar to one who is fasting will have a reward like his, without that detracting from the reward of the fasting person in the slightest.” [Tirmidhi 807]

Donations made this month help Muslim communities in general. Mosques in some areas might depend on generous donations to organise Tarawih prayers and offer daily Iftar and Suhoor meals. In the last 10 days, people have been staying at the mosque for Itikaf. This increases the responsibilities of mosque management. Your donations make it easy for mosques and individuals to celebrate the month of Ramadan.

Does Zakat Have to be Paid in Ramadan?

Zakat in Ramadan is one of the most discussed topics. According to the principles of the Islamic faith, Zakat has to be paid as soon as it becomes compulsory. Zakat becomes obligatory when one Hijri year has passed on the wealth in one’s possession. The scholars warn against delaying the payment of Zakat for the purpose of giving it in Ramadan. However, Zakat payment can be brought forward if someone’s Zakat becomes compulsory shortly after Ramadan. This will allow the person to achieve the blessing of Ramadan Zakat without delay in payment.

You can pay your Sadaqah and Zakat during Ramadan with Muslim Aid. Increase your generosity this Ramadan and earn rewards in abundance.