By Ishola Balogun
Fasting for a couple of days might be all it takes to understand the suffering of those for whom going without food has become a way of life. Understanding the plight of the poor is one part of what Ramadan is ordained to achieve.
We are, therefore, reminded several times, both in the Qur'an and hadiths, that giving food to fasting Muslims is a great deed in the month. In fact, feeding of 60 people is regarded as equivalent to a day fasting. (Remember the penalty for breaking fast?) That is to tell us how much Allah values putting food on the table of the poor.
How much better it would be if we could let others see the beauty of the message of Islam by the way of giving. We should not allow this special month to go without a good account of what we have added to somebody's life. We need to be asking ourselves all the time how we are going to benefit maximally from the holy month. What are we going to do to make the most of Ramadan? Surely, it is a profitable venture in which there is no risk, but fat rewards.
There are rewards in this life and the hereafter for giving charity at any moment. In this world you are also rewarded by the personal satisfaction you will feel and the feeling of the receivers of your charity towards you and towards their fellow humans in general. It is the month of charity, and a month in which a believer's sustenance is increased.
Whoever gives food to a fasting person to break his fast shall have his sins forgiven, and he will be saved from the Fire of Hell, and he shall have the same reward as the fasting person, without his reward being diminished at all.
It is right to step up the act in this month which is a month of generosity and kindness. The Messenger of Allah said: 'Charity reduces nothing from one's wealth.' He also said: 'Protect yourselves against Hell even if it be with a slice of a date."
Allah says: "And they give (others) preference over themselves, even though they were in need of that. And whosoever is saved from his own covetousness, such are they who will be successful." (Al-Hashr: 9).
We can bring light and hope into the lives of many people who have none. Islam is the natural religion. Many in the world know nothing about Islam, except for the images of violence they see on TV. By way of giving, we can change that misconception. By our giving for Allah's sake, we can teach the world how beautiful Islam really is. Maybe our giving could also help us to be better Muslims.
Prayer of the day
"O Allah, on this day, purify me from uncleanliness and dirt, make me patient over events that are decreed, grant me the ability to be pious, and keep company with the good, by Your help."
Amin.
Vanguard Nigeria
That is a good advise to all muslims.They should be charitable during the fasting and after the fasting.all they need do now is listen and obey.