Significance of Giving Charity in the First Ashra of Ramadan

Ramadan is a month of heightened spirituality for Muslims worldwide. During this month, the Quran was revealed, marking the beginning of a series of blessings and guidance.

Muslims pray, fast, and give charity to please Allah (SWT) throughout this holy month.

The first Ashra of Ramadan starts preparing the believers for a series of spiritual practices. The most important aspect of Ramadan is fasting. While fasting, Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, physical intimacy, and all immoral acts. This allows them to develop self-discipline, empathy, and a stronger spiritual connection with Allah (SWT). It also allows them to experience hunger and thirst, helping them understand the struggles of the less fortunate. While fasting and praying are important during Ramadan, giving charity truly exemplifies the spirit of Ramadan. In this article, we will explore the importance of the first Ashra of Ramadan, highlighting its impact on spiritual growth and devotion.

 An Exercise in Taqwa

Fasting in Ramadan aims to attain taqwa, a relentless pursuit of moral values prescribed by Allah (SWT). For almost 720 hours, Muslims try to practice complete obedience and devotion to Allah (SWT) to internalize the great values taught by Islam. Since Islam requires Muslims to fulfill their duties to Allah (SWT) (Haqooq ul Allah) and fellow human beings (Haqooq ul Ibad), they strive to fulfill both by engaging in prayers, reflection, self-discipline, and kindness. One cannot claim to have attained taqwa without fulfilling the Haqooq ul Ibad. In the Quran, Allah (SWT) tells us:

“Never will you attain the good [reward] until you spend [in the way of Allah ] from that which you love. And whatever you spend – indeed, Allah is Knowing of it.” (Surat Ali Imran, 3:92)

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The First Ashra of Ramadan

Ramadan has three stages. The first ten days are called the first Ashra. These days signify Allah’s (SWT) mercy. The supplication (dua) for the first Ashra of Ramadan is as follows:

“O! My Lord forgive and have mercy. You are the Best of those who show mercy.” [Quran 23:118]

رَّبِّ اغْفِرْ وَارْحَمْ وَأَنتَ خَيْرُ الرَّاحِمِين

The first Ashra aims to cultivate compassion, kindness, and empathy. The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “When there comes the month of Ramadan, the gates of mercy are opened, and the gates of Hell are locked and the devils are chained.” (Sahih Muslim 1079a)

It Starts with Mercy

Mercy is essentially an attribute of Allah (SWT). It signifies His great compassion and benevolence toward His creations. The word mercy appears 339 times in the Quran.

Allah (SWT)’s mercy knows no boundaries, and it is befitting that Muslims start their spiritual endeavors during Ramadan seeking Allah (SWT)’s mercy and kindness.

He has blessed us with great favors. The Quran says:

“[ 0 mankind and Jinn,] which of the bounties of your Lord will you deny?” (Surat Ar-Raĥmān, 55: 13)

One of the best ways of seeking Allah’s (SWT) favor is to give charity wholeheartedly. In the Quran, Allah says:

“Those who spend their wealth [in Allah ‘s way] by night and by day, secretly and publicly – they will have their reward with their Lord. And no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 274)

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 Earn Mercy by Being Merciful

The Prophet (ﷺ) said:

“Allah created a hundred mercies, and He placed one mercy among His creation, they show mercy to one another by it, and there are ninety-nine mercies with Allah.” (Jami` at-Tirmidhi 3541)

The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Show mercy and you will be shown mercy. Forgive and Allah will forgive you.” (Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 380)

The hadith tells us that we must earn Allah’s (SWT) mercy by being merciful to others.

The first Ashra urges us to follow the Sunnah of the Prophet (ﷺ) and show mercy to everyone around us.

The Quran clearly says:

“And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds” (Surat Al-Anbaya, 21:107)

 Ashra of Kindness and Charity

The first Ashra encourages us to be more merciful and charitable. Mercy is a significant theme in Islam because it intertwines with the idea of love. Mercy fosters tolerance and harmony and strengthens communal bonds. Charity is a wonderful way of showing kindness and compassion. Many people around us deserve our kindness, charity, and support. Allah promises great rewards for such compassion. The following Hadith says:

 “’Whoever relieves a Muslim of some worldly distress, Allah will relieve him of some of the distress of the Day of Resurrection, and whoever conceals (the faults of) a Muslim, Allah will conceal him (his faults) in this world and the Day of Resurrection. And whoever relives the burden from a destitute person, Allah will relieve him in this world and the next.” (Sunan Ibn Majah 225)

Islam encourages us to discreetly give charity to the poor, thus embodying the true essence of mercy and compassion.

“If you disclose your charitable expenditures, they are good; but if you conceal them and give them to the poor, it is better for you, and He will remove from you some of your misdeeds [thereby]. And Allah , with what you do, is [fully] Acquainted.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 271)

What should we do during the first Ashra?

The following deeds during the first Ashra of Ramadan can bring a lot of blessings and rewards:

•         Seek Allah (SWT)’s Forgiveness through prayers and supplications.
•         Be merciful to others to gain Allah (SWT)’s mercy.
•         Fast with complete devotion.
•         Recite and Understand the Holy Quran.
•         Ask for forgiveness from those whom we have wronged.
•         Practice self-control and control your temper.

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Conclusion:

The first Ashra of Ramadan is a profound reminder of the importance of mercy, self-reflection, and the ongoing journey toward spiritual growth. During this blessed period, Muslims are encouraged to seek Allah’s (SWT) forgiveness and adhere to the Quran’s and the Prophet’s (ﷺ) compassionate teachings. Strengthening human relationships by practicing mercy and grace is of paramount importance. Giving charity is one of the most effective ways to achieve this.

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Read More:

The Significance of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Ashra of Ramadan

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