Muslims everywhere associate Ramadhan with fasting and with reading Qur’an. And some people may end up spending their time obsessing about food and watching TV all night, and others might stand in prayer for good portions of the night, there are still other things we can do. We can give charity.
Ibn ‘Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) was the most generous of the men; and he was the most generous during the month of Ramadan when Jibril visited him every night and recited the Qur’an to him. During this period, the generosity of Messenger of Allah (PBUH) waxed faster than the rain bearing wind.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
But what does charity mean? Does it always mean giving money?
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Every Muslim has to give in charity.” The people then asked , ”(But what) if someone has nothing to give, what should he do?” The Prophet replied, “He should work with his hands and benefit himself and also give in charity (from what he earns).” The people further asked, “If he cannot find even that?” He replied, “He should help the needy who appeal for help.” Then the people asked, “If he cannot do (even) that?” The Prophet said finally, “Then he should perform good deeds and keep away from evil deeds, and that will be regarded as charitable deeds.” - Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 2, Hadith 524
I’m sure many of you already give money in charity – either helping family or friends or strangers. But did you ever think that you could use your skills in English fee sabi illah? You can, insha’Allah!
Many of you may not know about the staggering level of ignorance regarding Islam in the west. If you don’t believe me, just start reading one of the many American newspapers so readily available on line.
“Anti-Muslim hate crimes soared by an astounding 50% last year, skyrocketing over 2009 levels in a year marked by the vicious rhetoric of Islam-bashing politicians and activists, especially over the so-called “Ground Zero Mosque” in New York City…” - Huffington Post
Just yesterday, for example, a gunman in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, killed six people at a local Sikh temple.
“Everyone here is thinking this is a hate crime for sure,” said Manjit Singh, who goes to a different temple in the region. “People think we are Muslims.” - New York Times
And in Europe, it nearly worse.
“In this fevered atmosphere of rising nationalism Islam, the religion of its most-impoverished people, is taking over the continent. Never mind the agonies such sentiments caused when acted upon by the Norway killer, Anders Breivik last year. ‘Racism is the lowest form of stupidity; Islamophobia is the height of common sense!’ said one group in 2008.” – Aljazeera
**Here’s a sad update – a masjid has just been burned to the ground in Missouri - today.
“An Islamic community center in Jolin, Missouri burned to the ground early Monday morning. It was the second fire the center had faced in about a month.
It follows a July 4 arson at the Islamic Society of Joplin that caused only minor damage, but sparked an FBI investigation – and a $15,000 reward for tips leading to charges relating to the blaze.” - Missouri mosque burned to the ground a month after failed arson
So, what does this have to do with you? Reach out, across the “World Wide Web” (the Internet) and give da’wa – spread the message of Islam. Social media outlets are an amazingly easy way to do this – via Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or similar sites. Look for anti-Muslim groups and send positive messages instead. Create and post Youtube videos about Islam, about tolerance, about peace. If you reach out in English, chances are, eventually, a non-Muslim will read what you wrote or said, and maybe, just maybe, you can help the tide against Islam turn, insha’Allah. After all,
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his charity.” - Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 604
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “When you smile to your brother’s face, it is charity.” -Sunan al-Tirmidhî (1879)
Saha ftourkum, and smile! You can help with English!