Ramadan, A Month of Tolerance,.Love, Brotherhood and Unity

إِنَّمَا الْمُؤْمِنُونَ إِخْوَةٌ (في الدين)

“The believers are nothing else than brothers (in Islamic religion)”. [Qur’an 49:10]

The Prophet Muhammad pbuh explained the connection between Muslims with a beautiful analogy. He said, “Muslims are like one body of a person; if the eye is sore, the whole body aches, and if the headaches, the whole body aches” (Sahih Muslim).

The guidance of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasizes that Ramadan is a month of compassion. Compassion, in its true meaning, involves comforting others and assisting them with their lives and possessions. Therefore, Prophet Muhammad pbuh advised numerous acts of kindness aimed at alleviating the burdens of Allah’s slaves and consoling them during this sacred month, acts that have boundless merit.

Prophet Muhammad pbuh said that whoever lightens the workload of their servant during this month, Allah will forgive them and free them from Hellfire.

Prophet Muhammad pbub said : “Whoever provides Iftar for a fasting person in it (i.e., in Ramadan), then that shall be forgiven for his sins and freedom from the Fire. And for such a feeder shall be the same reward as the one who fasted (whom he fed), without that person’s reward being decreased in the least.” [Ibn Khuzaimah and others]

The Messenger pbuh of Allah said, “Whoever feeds the person who is breaking his fast, he will have his reward (for his fasting) without decreasing anything from the reward of the fasting person.” [Al-Tirmidhi, Ibn Maajah]

The above hadith encourages Muslims to spend this blessed month in compassion with others. Providing Iftar to a fasting person, hosting them with a good meal, is a great act of kindness. Taking care of the needy, the poor, and the destitute, seeking them out to support them and bring happiness to their faces, is also part of compassion. Fasting instills patience in individuals and helps them empathize with the suffering of humanity. In our society, there are people who are deprived of basic necessities, which can erode trust in humanity. Islam teaches its followers to consider those who need help, whether it be through medicine, food, education, or other means.

Therefore, it is crucial to stay informed about such individuals to prevent them from losing their self-respect. In this context, gathering information from neighbors, relatives, and friends to distribute among them is important. Zakat should reach the needy; it is necessary to know who deserves the Zakat most. If someone is encountering a challenging situation outside of Ramadan, one can still donate the Zakat amount with the intention of Zakat, and it will still yield them the rewards same as to those in Ramadan. The essence of Zakat is to assist fellow humans in need.

Often, invitations for Iftar (the breaking of the fast) are extended to the wealthy, while the poor and needy are overlooked. However, it is the poor who are more deserving of having their Iftar and Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) arrangements taken care of, so that their prayers may serve as atonement for sins.

In this month of compassion, prioritize charity, donations, feeding the hungry, comforting orphans, fulfilling widows’ needs, clothing, and caring for the sick. Finding joy in comforting the distressed brings an unparalleled sense of fulfillment that surpasses any other source of joy.

“You will not attain spiritual ranks solely through worship, but through serving the creation, through consoling the distressed.”

Learn the art of sharing sorrow this month. Practicing this throughout the year will become effortless. As sharing things with others brings us real peace and happiness.

Imam Ibn Qayyim highlighted the diverse expressions of compassion and empathy, ranging from material support to physical service, guidance, well-wishing, visiting, prayer, and seeking forgiveness, and so on. These acts are encouraged year-round but are especially emphasized during Ramadan. In this blessed month, individuals strive to demonstrate kindness, empathy towards others, offer comfort, and contribute as much as they can.

May Allah grant us the ability to improve both our worldly life and the hereafter. Ameen.