The Benefits of Giving Zakat in Ramadan
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Introduction:
While Islam emphasizes practicing piety throughout the year, Ramadan is a particularly special time for practicing righteous duties. Billions of Muslims worldwide observe Ramadan by fasting and practicing the prescribed forms of devotion.
Zakat is Islam’s third pillar. It is a form of almsgiving that requires eligible Muslims to donate 2.5% of their accumulated wealth to the most deserving people. Although giving Zakat specifically during Ramadan isn’t required, many Muslims prefer to do so. According to a survey conducted at Indiana University, almost 70% of American Muslims chose to give Zakat during Ramadan. This is a general trend throughout the Muslim world. This article will discuss the benefits of giving Zakat and why most Muslims prefer to do so during Ramadan.
Why is Zakat Important?
Zakat is considered Islam’s third pillar. The “Zakat” literally means “to be clear, to grow, or to purify.” Zakat obligations apply to Muslims whose possessions reach or exceed the nisab value. Currently, the nisab value is equivalent to 612.36 grams (52.5 tola) of silver.
Heal Lives with Your Zakat
Zakat as a demonstration of faith
Zakat is a form of monetary devotion, a demonstration of complete faith, and a declaration that all our possessions truly belong to Allah (SWT). So, by giving Zakat, we fulfill one of the most important duties ordained by Allah (SWT).
“And establish prayer and give zakah, and whatever good you put forward for yourselves – you will find it with Allah. Indeed, Allah of what you do, is Seeing.” (Surat Al-Baqarah, 2:110)
Thus, with our Zakat donation, we come closer to Allah (SWT) and accrue the benefits for the afterlife.
Purifies Personal Wealth
Zakat purifies our wealth from any possible contamination. Islam emphasizes halal ways of earning money and teaches us to maintain honesty, integrity, transparency, and fairness. While there is no room for compromise on those principles, human fallibilities abound. By giving Zakat, we purify our wealth and qualify for Allah’s (SWT) boundless mercy.
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Re-distributes Wealth:
We live in a world with appalling disparities. According to the World Bank, almost 700 million people live in extreme poverty, and in 2021, nearly 4.5 billion people didn’t have essential health services. According to the UNDP, the annual Zakat pool can potentially be between US $200 billion and US $1 trillion. Thus, Zakat can help alleviate poverty and create a more equitable world.
Makes Us Better Humans:
Zakat discourages the accumulation of wealth, which usually stems from greed. The Quran highlights our tendency to accumulate wealth:
“And you love wealth with immense love.” (Al-Fajr, 89:20)
By giving Zakat donations, we keep ourselves distant from the love of wealth and avoid selfishness.
Brings People Together:
Zakat can be a source of communal harmony as it brings people together and promotes love, harmony, and empathy. The Zakat donation belongs to the recipient, and thus it is not a favor granted to them. The Quran instructs Muslims to remain respectful while giving Zakat:
“O you who have believed, do not invalidate your charities with reminders or injury as does one who spends his wealth [only] to be seen by the people and does not believe in Allah and the Last Day. His example is like that of a [large] smooth stone upon which is dust and is hit by a downpour that leaves it bare. They are unable [to keep] anything of what they have earned. And Allah does not guide the disbelieving people” (Al-baqarah – 264)
Thus, Islam ensures everyone’s self-respect and promotes brotherhood.
Why Is Ramadan Important?
For Muslims, Ramadan is the most sacred month of the year. During this month, the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). Muslims fast and pray during Ramadan to achieve spiritual discipline and strengthen their relationship with Allah (SWT). While Zakat can be given any time during the year, most Muslims choose the auspicious days of Ramadan to fulfill this sacred duty.
Anas narrated that: the Prophet (ﷺ) was asked which fast was most virtuous after Ramadan? He said: “Sha’ban in honor of Ramadan” He said: “Which charity is best?” He (pbuh) said: “Charity in Ramadan.” (Jami` at-Tirmidhi, 663)
Making your Zakat donation during Ramadan has several benefits. Let’s explore some of those benefits quickly.
Ramadan is a good reminder for making your Zakat donation
Zakat should be paid within a year. However, some people may forget this important obligation in their busy lives. Ramdan can be a good reminder for them.
Fasting Can Help Us Develop Empathy:
During Ramdan, Muslims abstain from food and drinks from Fajr to Maghrib. Fasting has numerous physical and spiritual benefits. The pangs of hunger and thirst during fasting help us understand the plight of the less fortunate people. Hence, making a Zakat donation during Ramadan can help us develop empathy for those in pain.
Increased Rewards:
All righteous deeds and sincere worship in Ramadan yield greater rewards from Allah (SWT). All three stages of Ramadan offer great spiritual rewards. Moreover, good deeds done on the night of Laylatul Qadr (the night of Power) can give immense rewards. According to the Quran: “The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.” (Al-Qadr, 5)
Ensures Inclusivity in Ramadan:
By giving Zakat during Ramadan, we can also help many deserving people fast, pray, and observe piety. This can promote unity, compassion, and brotherhood.
Donate To Transparent Hands:
Transparent Hands provides free medical and surgical treatment to Pakistan’s most deserving people and communities. We want to reach millions of people who are deprived of basic healthcare services. We never compromise on quality, efficiency, or transparency. Ramadan is the best time of the year for you to seek rewards from Allah (SWT) and impact lives. Support needy patients in Pakistan with your Zakat this Ramadan.
Conclusion:
Zakat is one of Islam’s fundamental practices, and it is mandatory for eligible Muslims. Zakat promotes piety, empathy, communal harmony, and a fairer distribution of wealth. While it can be paid anytime during the year, Muslims often choose Ramadan to fulfill this sacred duty. Ramadan’s spiritual benefits and rewards, combined with its emphasis on piety and communal harmony, make it an appropriate time for many Muslims to pay Zakat. Ramadan reminds believers of their responsibilities towards Allah (SWT) and their fellow humans. By giving Zakat in Ramadan, Muslims strengthen their faith and spiritual connection with Allah (SWT) and contribute to building a more equitable and compassionate society.
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