Discovering the Essence of Ramadan! Other than the spiritual benefits of fasting there are some other things or deeds that are significant during Ramadan such as Tarawih, Zakat, and Sadaqah. Uncovering the beauty and power of these deeds and pillars, and learn about the unique features of the blessed month of Ramadan!
Tarawih Prayers
One of the blessings of Ramadan is the addition of another congregational prayer which is the Tarawih prayers. This prayer is performed after the last obligatory prayer of the day, which is Isha, and is yet another way we can add up to our deeds in the blessed month of Ramadan. And to add to that, the Tarawih prayers are also a great time to meet and connect with other Muslims afterward adding to the festivities of Ramadan.
حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى بْنُ بُكَيْرٍ، حَدَّثَنَا اللَّيْثُ، عَنْ عُقَيْلٍ، عَنِ ابْنِ شِهَابٍ، قَالَ أَخْبَرَنِي أَبُو سَلَمَةَ، أَنَّ أَبَا هُرَيْرَةَ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ قَالَ سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَقُولُ لِرَمَضَانَ " مَنْ قَامَهُ إِيمَانًا وَاحْتِسَابًا غُفِرَ لَهُ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِنْ ذَنْبِهِ "
Narrated Abu Huraira: I heard Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) saying regarding Ramadan, "Whoever prayed at night in it (the month of Ramadan) out of sincere Faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven."
Read more on Tarawih prayers in our past articles—All You Need to Know About Taraweeh Prayers During Ramadan and Ramadan goals: Upping your Tarawih game.
Zakat (al-Fitr)
Zakat al-Fitr or sometimes referred to as Fitrah or Sadaqah al-Fitr or the charity of breaking fast. It is specific to Ramadan and must be paid before the Eid prayers. Every Muslim is required to pay this Zakat unless they do not actually have the means. The amount is usually approximated to the price of a meal in the region and is then given out to the needy.
Zakat (al-Maal)
Zakat al-Maal is the mandatory annual tax on Muslims whose total wealth has reached a certain minimum threshold. The wealth in this case includes Currency, Gold, Silver, and property. Although the time of giving Zakat is not linked to Ramadan, most Muslims tend to distribute their Zakat during the month of Ramadan along with Zakat al-Fitr. However, it must be noted that they are two separate Zakat or Sadaqah.
Sadaqah
It refers to all other forms of charity, either financial or non-financial. Sadaqah is not tied to a specific time frame and can be given as frequently and in whatever form. Most Muslims will be eager to Sadaqah during Ramadan to reap the most out of the blessed month and the rewards it holds.
Read more on "What is Sadaqah?: The Benefits & Virtues of Charity"
