By Lesa 
Laylatul Qadr is one of the most sacred and important nights on the Islamic Calendar. It occurs during the last Ashra of Ramadan and is highly anticipated due to its significance in the Quran and Hadith. While many people spend the night praying and indulging in various forms of devotion, donating during Laylatul Qadr is also common. In this article, we will discuss the importance of giving to charity in Islam and why you should donate on Laylatul Qadr.
Why is Giving Charity Important In Islam?
Giving charity is central to the Islamic faith and ethos. Zakat, the mandatory form of charity, is the third pillar of Islam. While giving Zakat is obligatory for all adult eligible Muslims, Islam also urges giving Sadaqah, a voluntary form of charity. Zakat and Sadaqah allow money to change hands and discourage the concentration of wealth. According to a study, the annual Zakat donation pool is between US$200 billion and US$1 trillion. This amount can change many lives and give them hope to live a better life.
Benefits of Giving Charity According to the Quran and Hadith
Many verses of the Quran urge believers to be charitable and kind to each other.
The Quran says: “Those who spend their wealth in charity day and night, secretly and openly—their reward is with their Lord, and there will be no fear for them, nor will they grieve.” (Al-Baqarah, 274)
There are various Hadiths that urge Muslims to give charity, even if it is minute:
Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “Protect yourself from Hell-fire even by giving a piece of date as charity.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. (Riyad as-Salihin, 545)
According to the Quran, the Zakat purifies and enriches one’s wealth. The Quran tells us: “Take, [O, Muhammad], from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase, and invoke [ Allah ‘s blessings] upon them. Indeed, your invocations are reassurance for them. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing.” (Surat At-Tawbah, 9: 103)
While Zakat is the primary type of charity in Islam Sadaqah also has a lot of importance. According to the Hadith, Sadaqah is a shield that protects believers from calamities:
Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “Give the sadaqa without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity.” (Mishkat al-Masabih, 1887)
Preferable Time to Make Zakat Donation and Sadaqah
While there is no fixed time for paying Zakat and Sadaqah, one must be mindful that Zakat is an annual obligation. Many Muslims prefer to give Zakat during Ramadan, but one must not delay this obligation. Since Zakat can be paid in advance, you may give your Zakat donation during Ramadan for the coming year. Note that the Nisab of Zakat this year is PKR 179,689.
One of the reasons many Muslims chose to pay their charity during Ramdan is the presence of Laylatul Qadr.
The Quran says: “The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. (Surat Al-Qadr, 97:3)
Thus, every act of devotion done on the night of Laylatul Qadr is as if that act is repeated for a thousand months.
Charity is also an act of devotion in Islam. By giving charity, believers prove that everything they possess in reality belongs to Allah (SWT). Therefore, giving charity (Zakat or Sadaqah) on Laylatul Qadr means earning many blessings.
While the Laylatul Qadr benefits are abundant, we cannot be sure of its occurrence. According to the Hadith, It occurs in the last Ashra and may be one of the odd-numbered nights.
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Whoever among you is seeking Laylatul Qadr, let him seek it in the odd-numbered nights of the last ten days of Ramadan.” (Musnad Ahmad, 298)
Most Muslims observe the 27th of Ramadan as Laylatul Qadr, but you can spread your charity throughout the last Ashra of Ramadan to ensure that you do not miss out on the spiritual rewards of Laylatul Qadr.
About Transparent Hands
Transparent Hands is one of Pakistan’s leading crowdfunding platforms. They are dedicated to helping deserving patients access quality healthcare. They arrange medical camps, surgeries, and procedures for needy individuals all across Pakistan.
Transparent Hands keeps the donors and sponsors updated on the progress of the patients they support so that they are well-informed about the impact of their charity. You can make secure online donations from anywhere in the world, knowing that your contributions will have a positive impact on many lives. Ramadan is a time to organize your charitable activities. Consider donating your Zakat, Fitrana, Sadaqah, and other contributions to Transparent Hands to help heal those who await your assistance.
Conclusion:
Laylatul Qadr offers immense spiritual importance in Islam. It offers believers opportunities to earn countless spiritual rewards through acts of devotion, including charity. By giving Zakat and Sadaqah during this sacred night, Muslims not only fulfill their religious obligations but earn additional spiritual rewards offered on Laylatul Qadr. The teachings of the Quran and Hadith emphasize the importance of charity as a means of purification and protection from calamities.
Transparent Hands works for the noble cause of providing healthcare services to those who cannot afford it. Donate your Zakat donation and Sadaqah to Transparent Hands to ensure that you help deserving people while earning great spiritual rewards.