Giving to charity in Ramadan is an important role during the Holy Month, where Muslims will perform charitable acts such as giving money or food to the poor and needy. The act of giving charitable donations during Ramadan, known as
Zakat Al-Fitr – is required by all Muslims who are capable of making contributions and will take place towards the end of the Holy Month.
Why Is Zakat Performed During Ramadan?
Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam and is considered as an act that will purify the heart and mind of the giver. These provisions or contributions are given to Muslims who are less fortunate before the first Eid prayer – these provisions will also enable them to celebrate Eid al-Fitr.
Zakat Al-Fitr is calculated according to the value of a day’s meal for one person – so the head of the family will contribute food or money based on this principle for each member of the family. If a person is responsible for their parents, they will have to pay Zakat on their behalf of them.
Who Is Eligible For Zakat?
- The poor
- The needy
- Individuals who are employed to perform Zakat
- Those who are in slavery or servitude
- New converts to Islam
- People who are in debt and are unable to meet their basic needs
- Individuals who strive in the cause of Allah
- Travelers in need of help
How Much Zakat Should Be Given?
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Katie Harp on
Unsplash Muslims are required to pay 2.5 percent of their annual earnings once they have taken care of their families' needs and business expenses. Zakat is also required from business owners who have to pay 2.5 percent based on their stocks.
In the agricultural industry, farmers who have their own lands and harvest crops are required to pay between 5 percent and 10 percent based on the level of produce and irrigation.
The Spirit Of Giving - Ramadan Charity Ideas
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Melissa Walker Horn on
Unsplash There are several ways to make charitable donations during Ramadan to get into the spirit of giving to those who are less fortunate and who are going through hard times. Given below are a few Ramadan charity ideas to take into consideration during the Holy Month.
- You can donate food and dry provisions to those who are finding it difficult to provide for their families.
- Bring everyone together by giving an Iftar meal to the poor. You can consider distributing food at your local mosque during the Holy Month to reach out to those in need.
- Do you have items that are cluttering your home? Donate unused items that are not needed – these things might be very useful to someone else.
- Buy Eid clothing and give them to those who are struggling financially, so that they will have something nice to wear when celebrating Eid.
- Make donations to any mosque for maintenance, operations, and development.
- Contribute to any charities or fundraising events by participating or making donations.
- Start your own fundraising activities and encourage people to donate to a worthy cause.
Final Words
In conclusion, Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam and is carried out throughout Ramadan with the intention of purifying the giver's heart and mind. For competent Muslims, Zakat Al-Fitr is a mandatory charity payment that is determined by including in the cost of a day's meals for every member of the household. Recipients who fit certain criteria include the impoverished, those in need, Muslims who have converted, and others. The amount of Zakat is determined by factors like as agricultural production, company revenues, and earnings. Ramadan offers possibilities for a variety of altruistic deeds, such as food donation, Iftar meal preparation, item donation, mosque upkeep, and other philanthropic purposes. These acts of kindness are in keeping with the Eid and Ramadan traditions. May our zakat and good deeds be a blessing as we go through Ramadan!
