Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection, self-improvement, and heightened devotion and worship. Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam, one of which is the importance of being Kind. Kindness facilitates human understanding and reduces the chances of friction and conflict, which abound in practically every walk of life and is greatly encouraged in the religion of Islam.
Kindness and Islam
Since love, kindness, care, and affection are some of the many beautiful attributes that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) carried throughout his life, Muslims are encouraged to follow his footsteps. It is often preached to be kind, humble, and gentle to human beings as well as animals and other living creatures, and the idea of kindness has been defined and elaborated in the light of Islamic hadiths and the holy Quran to clarify its significance.
The Islamic Quotes says “According to numerous inimitable Islamic references, stories, hadiths, and Quranic quotations, we can find multiple pieces of evidence regarding both the punishment and reward of kindness, humbleness, and mercy.”
Ways to Spread Kindness During Ramadan
In light of the Holy month of Ramadan, it is important to gratify your spirituality and faith in Islamic teachings. With that said, here are some common ways that many partake in in order to spread kindness during Ramadan:
- Give Zakat. Zakat or charity is one of the five pillars of Islam and is greatly encouraged during the month of Ramadan. It Islamic finance term referring to the obligation that an individual has to donate a certain proportion of wealth each year to charitable causes.
- Put together food baskets for the less fortunate or the food bank. This can be done by going through your pantry or go grocery shopping and put together non-perishable food items to donate to your local food bank.
- Reach out to those who don’t have family and friends within the community and invite them over for iftar.
- Donate any clothing items that don’t fit anymore, in addition to toys and books that are no longer being used, to your local shelters.