Tayyab Journal / ENG

How to plan your budget for Sadaqah in Ramadan

Ramadan
When we talk about Sadaqah, we usually say "giving Sadaqah", or "spending money on Sadaqah". But in reality, we don't give away, we save and increase our money. And in Ramadan, such investments are most effective - Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihi wa aalihi wasallam) instructed, "The best charity is that given in Ramadan” (Tirmidhi).

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, who saves us from unnecessary expenses and worries in Ramadan. A month without a morning coffee, breakfast, and lunch is a good start and the basis of your Sadaqah budget. Think about what other expenses can be postponed or reduced in favor of Sadaqah.

First, plan the amount of Sadaqah Al-Fitr. It is obligatory for every Muslim and Muslim woman who have an average income that covers their basic needs or exceeds them. Sadaqah Al-Fitr must be paid by the believer for himself, his wife, and his children. It is best to pay Zakat al-Fitr before the Eid prayer.

When distributing the charity budget, preference is usually given to the last 10 days of Ramadan. However, this doesn't mean that you should plan your Sadaqah only for these days; the Sunnah doesn’t indicate the superiority of giving alms in the last 10 days of Ramadan. The scholars said that it's better to do righteous deeds at a blessed time, and undoubtedly the last ten nights of Ramadan are better than other nights, because among them is the Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr), which is better than a thousand months.

Start with your immediate family when deciding who should receive your help. Someone might have worsened health problems or need help with household problems or repairs.

During Ramadan, Insha Allah, you will be present at different iftars. Don’t miss the opportunity to organize iftar yourself. Ask the imam of your mosque about iftars and food aid for the poor. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) says that “Whoever provides Iftar for a fasting person in it [i.e. in Ramadan], then that shall be a forgiveness for his (the feeder’s) [minor] 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”.

Set aside a portion of your budget for Sadaqah Jariyah —projects that will bring sawab long after you are gone. These can be infrastructure or educational projects (wells, hospitals, schools). Explore charitable foundations such as those featured on the Tayyab app. Alhamdulillah, today donations can be made anytime and anywhere with just a few clicks.