#RamadanDailyDigest continues to remind us on Ramadan Day 26 that the blessed month of Ramadan is a period of 29 or 30 sacred days, and all days should be well maximised as per worship. The month of fasting is a time of spiritual renewal, reflection, and increased devotion for Muslims around the world.
While stressing that fasting from dawn to sunset is one of the central pillars of this blessed month, the deeper purpose of fasting extends far beyond abstaining from food and drink.
One of the profound lessons of the holy month of Ramadan is empathy for the poor and needy. Through fasting, Muslims experience hunger and thirst, which cultivates compassion and encourages acts of charity and kindness.
Understanding the connection between fasting and empathy helps believers appreciate why the blessed month of Ramadan is not only a time of worship but also a season of generosity and social responsibility.
The Spiritual Purpose of Fasting in Islam
The Glorious Qur’an clearly explains the purpose of fasting.
Allah says:
“O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become righteous.”
(Qur’an 2:183)
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The above verse highlights that the ultimate goal of fasting is taqwa, which is a heightened awareness and consciousness of Allah. When a person restrains from lawful pleasures such as food and drink during the day, they strengthen their self-discipline and spiritual awareness. However, fasting also produces another powerful outcome. That is, a deeper understanding of the struggles faced by the less fortunate.
Experiencing Hunger to Understand the Needy
Millions of people around the world live daily with hunger and poverty. For many individuals, the discomfort Muslims feel during fasting hours is a constant reality. The sacred month of Ramadan provides an opportunity for believers to reflect on this reality.
When a fasting person feels hunger, thirst, and tiredness, it becomes easier to understand the hardships faced by those who lack basic necessities. This experience nurtures empathy and encourages Muslims to extend support through charity (sadaqah) and acts of kindness.
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The Glorious Qur’an emphasises the importance of caring for the needy:
“And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive.”
(Qur’an 76:8)
The above stated verse reveals that true righteousness includes sharing one’s resources with those in need, even when one values those resources greatly.
Charity: A Core Ramadan Practice
The holy month of Ramadan is widely known as the month of generosity. Muslims are encouraged to increase charitable acts during this period. Many communities organise food distributions, iftar meals, and support programmes for the less privileged. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was well known for his generosity, especially during the blessed month of Ramadan.
According to an authentic narration reported by Sahih al-Bukhari, the Prophet of Allah ﷺ was more generous than the blowing wind during this blessed month.
Some Acts of charity during the sacred month of Ramadan include:
1. Providing iftar meals for fasting people
2. Donating to the poor and vulnerable
3. Supporting community welfare initiatives
4. Paying Zakat and Zakat al-Fitr
Each of these acts strengthens social bonds and ensures that everyone can experience the blessings of the holy month of Ramadan.
Fasting as a Reminder of Social Responsibility
Islam encourages the believers to build compassionate societies. Fasting reminds Muslims that wealth and comfort are blessings that must be shared with others.
Allah states in the Glorious Qur’an:
“And in their wealth there is a recognised right for the needy and the deprived.”
(Qur’an 70:24–25)
The above verse highlights that helping the poor is not merely optional generosity, but a responsibility within the Islamic ethical framework.
During the blessed month of Ramadan, this responsibility becomes even more visible. Mosques, charitable organisations, and individuals work together to ensure that no one is left behind.
Practical Ways to Show Empathy During Ramadan
Fasting should inspire practical action. Here are simple ways Muslims can connect with the needy during Ramadan:
1. Feed Someone Who Is Fasting
Providing food for someone to break their fast carries immense rewards.
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stated:
“Whoever gives food for a fasting person to break his fast will have a reward like theirs, without detracting from their reward in the slightest.” (Tirmidhi)
2. Support Local Charity Programmes
Participating in community initiatives such as Ramadan feeding programmes or food banks can directly help vulnerable families.
3. Give Consistent Charity
Even small daily acts of charity can make a significant difference. The Prophet of Islam ﷺ taught that the most beloved deeds to Allah are those done consistently, even if they are small.
4. Make Du’a for the Oppressed and Poor
Prayer for those facing hardship is also a powerful form of empathy and spiritual solidarity.
Lessons for Life Beyond the blessed month of Ramadan
One of the key goals of the sacred month of Ramadan is transformation. The empathy cultivated through fasting should not end when the month is over. Instead, it should inspire long-term habits of compassion, generosity, and social responsibility.
By remembering the lessons of hunger and gratitude learned during fasting, Muslims can continue to support the needy and strengthen their communities throughout the year.
Final Reflection for Ramadan Day 26
Fasting in the blessed month of Ramadan is more than a physical act of abstinence. It is also a spiritual journey that nurtures empathy, compassion, and generosity. Experiencing hunger reminds the believers of the struggles faced by millions around the world and encourages them to act with kindness and charity.
As Muslims observe fasting in the holy month of Ramadan, they are reminded that true devotion includes caring for others, uplifting the poor, and spreading mercy within society. Through fasting and charity, Ramadan becomes a powerful reminder that faith and compassion must go hand in hand.
In embracing these values, the believers fulfill the deeper purpose of sacred month of Ramadan, which is growing closer to Allah while serving humanity.
#RamadanDailyDigest is an exclusive content written by Oladele Hakeem Olaniyan and published by Naijaloveinfo during the month of Ramadan.
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