Among the many facets of Ramadan, caring and generosity are important attributes that believers seek to renew and increase. This is the month when Muslims open their hearts and wallets, sharing with others – both individuals and worthy organizations – the spiritual and material blessings that Allah has so abundantly given.
Islam guides believers to do all kinds of good and virtuous deeds so that righteous living and generosity are established as permanent habits. By giving without complaint Muslims actually help themselves first. As Almighty Allah says in the Qur`an: “Those who spent their wealth (in Allah’s Cause) by night and day, in secret and public, they shall have their reward with their Lord. On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.” (Al Baqarah, 274)
It is every Muslim’s responsibility to take this verse deeply to heart during Ramadan. He or she should plan and prepare for this special month of caring and generosity in a balanced way, not spending excessively on personal wants and desires, but rather allotting just enough for personal needs. In this way the individual has the means to give generously to others, that Allah may bestow His mercy and make his/her charity blessed. Muhammad (S) the Messenger of God, said: “Ramadan is the month of caring; and it is the month where sustenance (provisions) of the believer increases.” (Ibn Khuzaymah)
Muslim communities can be successful in all facets of life only when relationships among their members and with their local and national institutions are sincere and solid. To achieve and maintain this success, Islam has framed very realistic laws by which people’s hearts and minds can be prepared to focus on increasing their righteous and virtuous deeds. Additionally Islamic teachings are established to guide people to greater co-operation as groups, helping one another, and acting righteously for the good of all.
Islam teaches believers that giving will not deplete their Rizq (material goods) but will increase them. Thus, giving is not only about satisfying the needs of the poor; it also helps the giver attain priceless riches of peace and satisfaction and banish the forces of rancour and jealousy.
As we read in the Qur’an: “So keep your duty to God and be aware of Him as much as you can; listen and obey and spend charity for the benefit of your own soul. And whoever is saved from his own greediness, they are successful ones.” (At Tagabun 16)
The Qur’an further teaches that charity and generosity done in the name of Allah guarantee success in this world and the hereafter. "And whatever you spend in good, it will be repaid to you in full, and you shall not be dealt wrongly.” (Al Baqarah 272)
In a Hadith, it was reported that Prophet Muhammad (S) said: “Protect yourself against the fire, even if it be only by (giving) a piece of date, and if one cannot even fulfill this, then by saying a good word.” (Muslim) In another Hadith, he said: “Do not look down on anything good, even if it is meeting your brother/sister with a cheerful face.” (Muslim)
Ramadan is an excellent opportunity to spend for the sake of our Creator. One can choose from many community projects, as well as supporting aid to needy brothers and sisters worldwide.
As Bukhari recorded, The Messenger of God gave the best example through his own lifestyle: “Prophet Muhammad (S) was the most generous out of all people and Ramadan was the time when he was the most generous.”
There is no better example to follow than in giving Zakat to purify both your property and soul. And by giving Sadaqat ul Jariyah (permanent Sadaqah) for community projects that help maintain our Muslim identity, you are supporting the interests of Canadian Muslims and Canada itself.
During this month of Ramadan, the Muslim Council of Calgary (MCC) is appealing for your Zakat and Sadaqah money to maintain and continue our many worthy projects for Allah`s cause. Your generous donation will help ensure a continued role for us in serving our community.
You can donate directly to any Calgary Islamic Centre (Masjid) associated with the Muslim Council of Calgary (MCC), the Muslim Association of Calgary (MAC), and the Muslim Community Foundation of Calgary (MCFC).
Please Donate NOW and may Allah reward you with abundant blessings and multiply every good deed done in His name!
