There are special days and nights on which giving charity is a particularly virtuous act of worship. Giving charity is a way of showing gratitude for what Allah (SWT) has blessed us with, but also to help others in need.
In the last 10 odd nights of Ramadan, Laylatul Qadr falls. This is the Night of Power, on which the Qur’an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through Angel Jibraeel. This night is thought to hold immense rewards, which is why many Muslims stay up the night worshipping Allah (SWT).
While we don’t know which night it will fall on for certain, it can be any of the last 10 nights, which means we should worship and give charity on each night to guarantee we reap the rewards of Laylatul Qadr.
Giving charity is an important act of worship to do at any time and holds a lot of rewards. However, to do this on special nights, such as Laylatul Qadr, is even more rewarded, Insha'Allah!
Muhammad, upon him, be peace, said: “Charity does not in any way decrease the wealth and the servant who forgives, Allah adds to his respect; and the one who shows humility, Allah elevates him in the estimation (of the people).” (Muslim)
Those who give Sadaqah regularly can enter Jannah (Paradise) through Baab As-Sadaqah (the door of Sadaqah).
Prophet Muhammad, upon him, be peace, said, “Protect yourself from hell-fire even by giving a piece of date as charity.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
Perhaps the even better reward is held in actions that have long-lasting benefits. For example, one can be rewarded continues by doing actions such as donating a wheelchair to a hospital, gifting a Qur’an or prayer mat to a friend, building a mosque, or bringing up righteous children. These actions have ongoing benefits for others and society in general.
Muhammad, upon him, be peace, said: "When a man dies, his deeds come to an end except for three things: Sadaqah Jariyah (ceaseless charity); a knowledge which is beneficial, or a virtuous descendant who prays for him (for the deceased)." (Muslim)
In Islam, giving Sadaqah is very important, and so is Zakat, which is a compulsory form of charity. Zakat is only 2.5% of a person’s wealth that should be given to charity.
Baab As-Sadaqah isone of the eight gates of Jannah. This door only allows believers to enter if they regularly give Sadaqah in the way of Allah.
You can give your Zakat with Muslim Aid here.
Give Sadaqah this Ramadan to those in need through Muslim Aid’s Ramadan Appeal. This can provide families with food, clothing, and shelter.
This well-known hadith shows the importance of giving charity – it shows gratitude to Allah (SWT) for the blessings He has given us and helps others in need as we wish to be helped:
“You will not believe until you love for your brother what you love for yourself.” “The believers are like one body in their mutual love and affection: if one limb is injured, the rest responds with sleeplessness and fever.”
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