7 Recommendations on Almsgiving in Ramadan

TEHRAN (IQNA) – One of the reasons for fasting is to understand the conditions of poor people. Accordingly, one of the main recommendations to those who fast in the blessed month of Ramadan is to give alms, especially to the underprivileged.

Almsgiving is among the most stressed Muslim traditions during Ramadan. According to the book “Kanz al-Maram fi Amal Shahr al-Siyam”, Islamic teachings refer to some main points about the topic:

1) Giving alms from Halal property: “Believers, spend of the good you have earned and of that which We have brought out of the earth for you.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 267)

2) Saving the face of the needy: “Giving charity secretly extinguishes the Anger of Allah,” said Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

3) Giving away what one loves: “You shall not attain righteousness until you spend of what you love. Whatever you spend is known to Allah. (Surah Al-Imran, verse 92)

4) Giving Alms before the needy asks: According to Hadiths and narrations, it is better to help the needy before they ask for help.

5) Almsgiving without reproach: “Believers, do not annul your charitable giving with reproach and hurt, like he who spends his wealth to show off to the people and believes neither in Allah nor in the Last Day.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, verse, 264)

6) Helping the needy dependents: “The best alms is that which is given when one is rich, and a giving hand is better than a taking one, and you should start first to support your dependents,” said Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

In another hadith, the Holy Prophet says it is not right to give alms to others when one’s dependents are in need.

7) Paying attention to time and place: The time and place of almsgiving influence the reward. Accordingly, Muslims are recommended to help the poor and solve people’s problems during the holy month of Ramadan.