The Power of Zakat: Zakat could end global poverty
This Ramadan we want to impress upon everyone the importance of Zakat. Zakat could have the power to end global poverty – this is the power of Zakat.
According to the UN, the amount needed to achieve the first two Sustainable Development Goals – to end extreme poverty and hunger globally – is approximately $300 billion (USD).
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was sent to bring Islam to the entire world. So if we imagine that everyone around the globe gave 2.5% of their wealth to those in need, the annual amount would be trillions of dollars. Imagine what could be done with that!
Yes – Zakat could have the power to end poverty. If everyone around the world gave 2.5% of their wealth as Zakat we could end poverty together, SubhanAllah!
Of course, ending poverty isn’t simple. Conflict, inequality, water shortages, climate change, lack of education, poor public infrastructure and basic human greed all create and shape poverty.
Allah has shown us the way – all we need to do is follow. That is the power of Zakat.
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic lunar calendar.
Healthy adult Muslims fast during the month of Ramadan from dawn until dusk. Therefore this includes abstaining from drinking, eating, immoral acts and anger. Other acts of worship such as prayer, reading the Quran and charity are also encouraged during the holy month.
When is Ramadan 2023?
The exact dates of Ramadan change every year because the Islamic calendar is based on the cycles of the Moon. Because the Islamic calendar is based around the lunar cycle, the Holy month of Ramadan rotates by approximately ten days each year. You can find up-to-date information on the Ramadan Timetable here.
When does Ramadan start?
Ramadan officially begins when the month of Islamic month of Shaban ends.
When does Ramadan end?
Eid al-Fitr, the Muslim celebration officially marks the end of Ramadan. The exact timing is based on the sighting of the Moon. Eid al-Fitr officially begins at the start of the Islamic month of Shawwal.
What happens if you miss a fast during Ramadan?
If you’ve missed any fasts out of necessity and cannot make up the lost days afterwards, you’re required to pay fidya (fidyah). For any other missed fasts you will need to make them up. For any fasts broken deliberately without need in the Hanafi madhab you would need to make up the fast and also pay kaffarah. In the Hanbali and Shafi madhabs you would need to make up the fast and only pay kaffarah if it was broken by marital relations.
Ramadan Sadaqah
The Prophet (PBUH) would give charity throughout the year but increase his sadaqah during Ramadan. Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “The Prophet (PBUH) was the most generous of people, and he was most generous during Ramadan.” (Bukhari)