From Qur’an, Hadith, and the Sunnah of the Sahabah
Ramadan is the month of mercy, forgiveness, and immense blessings. Among the greatest acts of worship that shine in this sacred month is charity (Sadaqah). On the 10th day of Ramadan, as believers progress in fasting, prayer, and self-purification, reflecting on the power of giving becomes especially meaningful. Charity is not merely a financial transaction — it is a spiritual investment, a purifier of wealth, and a means of drawing closer to Allah.
This article explores the power of charity through the Qur’an, Hadith, and the noble practices of the Sahabah (companions of the Prophet ﷺ).
🌙 Charity in the Qur’an
The Qur’an repeatedly emphasizes spending in the way of Allah. Charity is described as a sign of faith, gratitude, and righteousness.
1️⃣ Charity Multiplies Rewards
Allah says:
“The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed of grain which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies for whom He wills.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:261)
This verse shows that charity is never lost. Even a small amount given sincerely can multiply 700 times or more. Ramadan further amplifies these rewards, as every good deed is multiplied.
2️⃣ Charity Purifies Wealth and Soul
Allah says:
“Take from their wealth charity by which you purify them and cause them increase.”
(Surah At-Tawbah 9:103)
Sadaqah cleanses:
Greed from the heart
Love of worldly excess
Sins and spiritual stains
It transforms wealth into a source of barakah (blessing).
3️⃣ True Righteousness Includes Charity
Allah says:
“Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward east or west, but righteousness is… one who gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy…”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:177)
True piety is proven when a person gives despite loving wealth.
4️⃣ Charity Is a Loan to Allah
Allah says:
“Who is it that would loan Allah a goodly loan so He may multiply it for him many times over?”
(Surah Al-Hadid 57:11)
When you give charity, Allah calls it a loan to Him — and Allah never fails to repay.
🌙 Charity in the Hadith
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was the most generous of all people, and his teachings elevated charity to one of the highest ranks of worship.
1️⃣ Charity Does Not Decrease Wealth
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Charity does not decrease wealth.”
(Sahih Muslim)
Outwardly, money leaves your hand. In reality, Allah replaces it with:
Barakah in earnings
Protection from loss
Unexpected provision
Many believers testify that giving increases sustenance.
2️⃣ Best Charity Is in Ramadan
Ibn Abbas (RA) reported:
“The Messenger of Allah was the most generous of people, and he was even more generous in Ramadan.”
(Sahih Bukhari)
This shows:
Charity in Ramadan carries extra reward
The Prophet ﷺ increased giving in this month
Muslims should follow this Sunnah
3️⃣ Charity Extinguishes Sins
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Charity extinguishes sins just as water extinguishes fire.”
(Tirmidhi)
Sadaqah wipes away minor sins and softens the heart.
4️⃣ Protection on the Day of Judgment
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Every person will be under the shade of his charity on the Day of Judgment.”
(Ahmad)
On a day when the sun will be brought close, charity becomes a shade of mercy.
5️⃣ Even Small Charity Counts
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Save yourself from Hellfire even by giving half a date in charity.”
(Bukhari & Muslim)
No act is too small if done sincerely.
🌙 Types of Charity in Islam
Charity is not limited to money.
Financial Charity
Zakat
Sadaqah
Sponsoring orphans
Feeding the poor
Physical Charity
Helping someone carry goods
Building wells or mosques
Social Charity
Smiling
Kind speech
Guiding someone
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Your smile for your brother is charity.”
(Tirmidhi)
🌙 Charity in the Sunnah of the Sahabah
The companions of the Prophet ﷺ set unmatched examples of generosity.
1️⃣ Abu Bakr (RA) – Giving Everything
During the Tabuk expedition, Abu Bakr (RA) donated all his wealth.
The Prophet ﷺ asked:
“What have you left for your family?”
He replied:
“I left for them Allah and His Messenger.”
This shows ultimate trust (tawakkul).
2️⃣ Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA) – Competing in Charity
Umar (RA) once brought half his wealth hoping to surpass Abu Bakr — but Abu Bakr had already given all.
This healthy competition in good deeds reflects the Sahabah spirit.
3️⃣ Uthman ibn Affan (RA) – Financing an Army
Uthman (RA) donated:
Hundreds of camels
Horses
Large sums of gold
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Nothing will harm Uthman after what he has done today.”
(Tirmidhi)
4️⃣ Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA) – Secret Charity
Ali (RA) would give charity secretly at night so no one knew.
This reflects sincerity — giving only for Allah.
🌙 Charity and Fasting – A Powerful Combination
Fasting softens the heart toward the poor.
When you feel hunger, you remember those who feel it daily.
The Prophet ﷺ encouraged feeding fasting people:
“Whoever feeds a fasting person will have a reward like his, without decreasing the reward of the fasting person.”
(Tirmidhi)
Thus:
Iftar charity = double reward
Feeding poor = multiplied blessings
🌙 Spiritual Benefits of Charity
1️⃣ Increases Barakah
Wealth given returns in unseen ways.
2️⃣ Removes Calamities
Sadaqah is known to avert hardships.
3️⃣ Heals Illness
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Treat your sick with charity.”
(Bayhaqi)
4️⃣ Softens the Heart
Giving removes hardness and arrogance.
🌙 Best Forms of Charity in Ramadan
Feeding fasting people
Donating to the poor
Sponsoring orphans
Giving Qur’ans
Building water wells
Mosque donations
Zakat distribution
Family support
Secret charity
Daily small sadaqah
🌙 Charity Done Secretly vs Publicly
Allah says:
“If you disclose your charities, it is good; but if you conceal them and give them to the poor, it is better for you.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:271)
Secret charity:
Protects sincerity
Avoids showing off
Gains higher reward
Public charity is allowed if it inspires others.
🌙 The Greatest Charity
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The best charity is that given in Ramadan.”
(Tirmidhi)
And also:
“The best charity is giving water.”
(Ahmad)
In hot regions, water charity holds immense value.
🌙 How Much Should One Give?
Islam does not fix a limit for voluntary charity.
Give according to:
Your means
Your sincerity
Your ability
Allah says:
“Let a man of wealth spend from his wealth, and he whose provision is restricted — let him spend from what Allah has given him.”
(Surah At-Talaq 65:7)
Even small consistent charity is beloved.
🌙 Charity That Continues After Death (Sadaqah Jariyah)
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“When a person dies, his deeds end except three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for him.”
(Muslim)
Examples:
Wells
Schools
Mosques
Islamic books
Orphan care
These continue rewarding even after death.
🌙 Practical Charity Plan for Ramadan
Daily:
Give small sadaqah
Feed one person
Weekly:
Donate to charity fund
Support a family
End of Ramadan:
Pay Zakat
Give Zakat al-Fitr
Consistency matters more than amount.
🌙 Conclusion
The 10th day of Ramadan reminds us that charity is not optional — it is essential to faith. The Qur’an commands it, the Prophet ﷺ practiced it, and the Sahabah exemplified it.
Charity:
Multiplies wealth
Erases sins
Protects from Hellfire
Provides shade on Judgment Day
Continues reward after death
In Ramadan, rewards are magnified beyond imagination. A single act of giving can weigh heavily on the scale of deeds.
Let this day inspire us to open our hands, soften our hearts, and seek closeness to Allah through generosity.
Give — not because people are poor — but because Allah is generous to you.
