Charitable Giving

The month of Ramadan is associated with charitable giving and helping the needy. The good deeds we do are multiplied many folds during this blessed month

During Ramadan, Muslims support so many wonderful causes around the world to help those in need. However, although we give so much in charity, on the other hand our lifestyles are a significant factor in causing climate change. As a consequence of this, it is the poorest in the world who are suffering the most. Climate change causes floods, famines, droughts, displacement, disease and death for these people.

Giving charity should not be seen as an alternative to making change in your own life, it should go hand in hand.

The Prophet ﷺ said

“the best form of charity is an act of goodness”
(Sahih Bukhari)

Your actions are just as important as donating money. Reflect on your own lifestyle and try to reduce your consumption of food, transport, energy and other resources. Do this with the intention to preserve the environment which in turn provides services for the poor around the world. This itself is an act of ibadah.

This year consider donating to charities that are delivering projects to tackle environmental degradation and climate change or those effected by the consequences of it.

Consider planting a tree this Ramadan. Trees provide shelter, food medicine, resources and much more. They also purify the air of pollution and regulate the temperature within urban environments. They play a critical role in the quality of human life as well as the environmental well-being of our communities.

“There is none amongst the Muslims who plants a tree or sows seeds, and then a bird, or a person or an animal eats from it, but is regarded as a charitable gift for him.”
(Sahih Bukhari)

Planting trees is an act of charity and they are a source of sadaqah jaariya (continuous reward).