Ramadan, A month of giving

Allah (ﷻ) says in the Surah Anfal 2-3 “The believers are only those who, when Allah (ﷻ) is mentioned, their hearts become fearful, and when His verses are recited to them, it increases them in faith; and upon their Lord they rely - They are those who establish prayer

and donate from what We have provided for them.” The motif of Charity and Salah is often linked together throughout the Quran. Rarely is Salah ever mentioned without the giving of charity for the sake of Allah (ﷻ). It is a well established fact that giving sadaqah is a type of worship and it is supported by none other than Allah (ﷻ) as one of the acts he loves a believer to engage in. Salah which we often hear is the key to everything in life, is linked with sadaqah in the Quran. This shows the magnitude of importance in giving sadaqah in the deen. The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Your smile for your brother is a charity. Your removal of stones, thorns or bones from the paths of people is a charity. Your guidance of a person who is lost is a charity.” [Bukhari] Something as little as smiling at another believer can be counted as charity, Glory to be Allah (ﷻ).

One of the great companions of the Prophet, Abu Talha is a very good example of what Sadaqah means to a believer. He was mostly known as a valiant fighter and skilful archer of the early Islamic period. Abū Ṭalḥa was known to have been a horseman of the Prophet and was at his side during the oath of allegiance at al-ʿAqaba and in the battles of Badr, Uḥud and Khandaq.

It has been reported by Anas (رضي الله عنه) that Abu Talha owned the best gardens in

Madinah, and they were more numerous than those of any other Ansari. One of his gardens was known by the name of Bir Ha, and this was his most favourite resort. It was close to the Prophet’s Masjid and the water of its well was sweet and abundant. The Prophet (ﷺ) often visited this garden and drank the water from its well. When Allah (ﷻ)revealed the verse of the Quran: “You will not attain unto piety until you spend of that which You love.” [3: 92] Abu Talha (رضي الله عنه) presented himself to the Prophet (ﷺ) and opened his heart. “O, Prophet of Allah (ﷻ)! I love Bir Ha very much. As Allah (ﷻ) wants us to spend precisely that which we love, I make over that garden to be spent in the path of Allah (ﷻ) as you please.” He was willing to give his greatest possession in charity for the sake of Allah (ﷻ). The Prophet (ﷺ) was very much pleased, and remarked: “What a fine present (to Allah)! I think it would be best utilized if you distribute it among your own heirs.” Abu Talha (رضي الله عنه) went and acted upon the Prophet’s advice. The very first person to benefit from his great gesture was him and his family! This just goes to show the beauty of the Deen and how Allah (ﷻ) instantly rewarded Abu Talha (رضي الله عنه) for his intentions.

As we approach the halfway point of Ramadan, there is still plenty of time to earn the rewards of deeds and have our sins not only forgiven but turned into good deeds as well.

Ramadan is a time to increase our good deeds and do good to connect with those who regularly go without food and water. This year, we should also reach out to those at greater risk of the coronavirus pandemic who may not have proper access to adequate protection and healthcare. Give generously in this blessed month and ask Allah to make your sadaqah a protection for you and your loved ones.