In Islam, the act of giving back is highly emphasized, especially during Ramadan. The holy month emphasizes the importance of zakat (required almsgiving) and sadaqah (voluntary charity), highlighting the deep generosity within the Muslim faith (MPI,2023). Zakat, a fundamental aspect of Islam, demonstrates the religion’s organized method of giving to those in need, with the goal of reducing poverty and redistributing wealth. During Ramadan, the focus is on the significance of zakat, prompting Muslims to contemplate their spiritual and societal duties. This period emphasizes zakat as more than just a financial duty, but also as a way to attain spiritual purification and strengthen community bonds (MPI, 2023).
Sadaqah, on the other hand, encompasses a wide range of charitable deeds, going beyond financial contributions to include any act of kindness that alleviates someone else’s suffering.
During Ramadan, there is usually a rise in sadaqah, showcasing the holistic approach of Islamic philanthropy (MPI, 2023). The research conducted by the Muslim Philanthropy Initiative (MPI, 2023) sheds light on these practices within the Muslim community, showcasing the varied and changing landscape of Islamic giving. Their research emphasizes the significance of zakat and sadaqah going beyond financial transactions, representing acts of faith that strengthen communal bonds and benefit society (MPI, 2023).
The special month of Ramadan emphasizes the importance of community support and empathy, urging Muslims to participate in zakat and sadaqah to strengthen unity within the community (Indiana University School of Medicine, 2020). Observing the fast from sunrise to sunset goes beyond just refraining from eating and drinking; it serves as a deep spiritual voyage that fosters compassion for those less fortunate, motivating Muslims to increase their acts of kindness. This act of self-denial is a powerful reminder of the challenges experienced by those in need, motivating individuals to make a difference and help reduce suffering whenever they can.
During Ramadan, sharing iftars (Breaking the fasting after sunset) helps to strengthen the bond among Muslims and emphasizes the importance of supporting each other and addressing social inequalities.
Essentially, Ramadan serves as a driving force for social transformation, reflecting the core values of generosity and compassion found in Islamic teachings.
What Ramadan means to some students from the Muslim Philanthropy Initiative at Indiana University:
Iman Fatimah:
Away from home, Ramadan is always a mixed bag: it’s the month of spirituality and closeness to God, but it’s also one of homesickness and nostalgia for simpler days of just fasting, reciting Quran, and enjoying Ramadan delicacies! My first Ramadan away from home was in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, a second home for next eight years. The community there truly influenced Ramadan there for the better. As an undergraduate then, Ramadan days were spent in classes during the day, volunteering in the evening followed by iftar and tarawih prayers. One of my fondest memories is of the close friendships forged within the NGO groups that set up fundraisers and charity campaigns during the month. Ramadan provided us all with a purpose beyond our obligations of fasting and prayers and we benefitted from the opportunities to partake in sadaqah practices: volunteering, fundraising, organizing resources to provide food to unhoused communities and iftars at orphanages and refugee centers. Much of my nonprofit engagements began in Ramadan, mentored by community and student leaders. One of the most successful projects was implemented by the organization where I eventually had the opportunity to oversee its operations, I Can Malaysia: The Ramadan Jars Project, which distributed over a hundred jars to students at the beginning of the month to work as a piggybank for their loose change. A donation of even 1 MYR a day would lead to a donation of 30 MYR a month for each jar collected. It was a widely popular campaign that continued for years, with jars being returned filled to the brim even years later. This simple act embodied the shared values of our faith and communities. Starting this Ramadan in Indy as my new home, I’m immensely glad to find the same camaraderie and community at the Muslim Philanthropy Initiative (MPI), which in its diversity of members, strengthens our spiritual and social ties. Now as an academic, I hope to continue my nonprofit engagements as a scholar, contributing to MPI’s research on global Muslim philanthropy and charity.
Zoha Gardezi:
Starting my first Ramadan during the Spring semester at IUPUI brought a mix of nervousness and resolve. While managing academic responsibilities and fasting, I remained committed to upholding my spiritual practices alongside my studies. Following guidance while motivated by a strong commitment, I carefully organized my schedule, ensuring I had enough food prepared for both sehri and iftar. The sense of community was evident in one of my classes, with the participation of fellow Muslims and a caring professor who made our iftars special with delicious treats. This group hug not only helped with the physical challenges of extended fasting but also strengthened my ties to the fundamental principles of Ramadan: compassion, giving, and a sense of community. This experience has shown me the significant influence of shared faith and collective support in overcoming the challenges of Ramadan, strengthening my dedication to both my religious rituals and academic duties.
Rizwanullah Bahrami:
Reflecting on my journey with Ramadan across different cultures and continents-from Pakistan and Vietnam to now the United States-has been a profound experience. Each location has offered unique opportunities to engage in acts of charity, a cornerstone of Ramadan’s essence. In Pakistan, my Ramadan was enriched by communal prayers and gatherings, fostering a sense of belonging and collective worship. In Vietnam, I contributed by teaching Islam and sharing knowledge, which was immensely fulfilling. Now, at IUPUI in Indiana, the sense of community continues to be a pillar of my Ramadan experience. Here, the focus shifts to joining hands with the local Muslim community for charitable activities and communal prayers, echoing the global Muslim tradition of generosity and unity. This universal practice of giving and sharing, irrespective of geographical boundaries, underscores the significance of Ramadan as a time for spiritual renewal and community service. It’s a reminder of the powerful impact our collective and individual acts of charity can have, reinforcing my dedication to contributing to a world where empathy and compassion prevail.
References:
Indiana University (MPI, 2023)
Indiana University School of Medicine. (2020) Celebrating Ramadan
About the author:
Rizwanullah Bahrami is originally from Afghanistan. He completed his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and also obtained an MBA degree from the American University of Afghanistan. Since the government collapsed, he has been displaced in several countries and also studied at the Western Sydney University in Vietnam. Later, he was able to secure a scholarship, thanks to the Muslim Philanthropy Initiative’s (Lilly School of Philanthropy, Indiana University) partnership with the Zakat Foundation Institute. He started pursuing his childhood dream by studying philanthropy. Rizwan aims to become a philanthropic leader to represent his country internationally and to encourage and communicate with international NGOs to help Afghans in terms of education, poverty, and health. Currently, Rizwan is a Graduate Assistant with the Indiana University’s School of Dentistry and hopes to complete his MA in philanthropy and help humanity and those around him.
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