Being Muslim Class: The Purifying Charity & Ramadān

The purifying charity (Zakat)

Designated by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

Why?

It is our responsibility as a society and it purifies each individual’s wealth.

How much?

• 2.5% of your wealth – One full lunar year with your wealth not decreased.
•  595 grams of silver or 85 grams of gold ($4,700 approximately)
• You can also count your wealth as stocks, mutual funds, houses, among others.

Who are the eligible recipients?

ü Those who are endangered of dying.

ü Poor (below poverty line)

ü Military supply (justly)

ü To free slaves

ü Those who are distributing the zakat

ü People who are in debt (example: school, hospital debt)

ü Recent converts to Islam

ü Stranded travelers (don’t have enough to return home)

Ramadān

4^th pilar à 9^th month of the Islamic calendar

Lunar Calendar vs. Solar Calendar
29-30 days	30-31 days
Devotional purposes	Non-related to worship/ business transactions
When the new crescent is visible, a new month starts
New day starts at sunset

Themes of Ramadān

• Prayer – Last 10 days are extremely important but we have to pray (more) during the whole month.
•  Study & recitation of Qur’an – It is encouraged to read the entire Qur’an during this month.
• Charity & generosity – We have to be extra generous during this month.
• Fasting – Abstaining from eating, drinking and sexual relations.

Fasting (sawm)

Preparation for the fast

• Intention – most important
• Pre-dawn meal (suhur) – dates & water (before and after)
• Duration – from Fajr till Maghrib

** Avoid smoking, using eye drops, nasal sprays and anything that can eventually end up in your stomach **

Spiritual Side  

•     Obedience to Allah
•           Spiritual fast – not to look at things that God made forbidden
•          Abstain from speech that harms (lying, backbiting, foul language)
•          Be especially careful with what we are doing; be more kind and special.

Exceptions of fasting

´      Menstruation or post-partum bleeding (women)

´      Fear that your health might be harm

´      If traveling more than 48 miles (for the day of traveling)

´      Very elderly

´      Pregnant woman

´      Mother who is breast feeding

** Have to make-up before the next Ramadan comes. **

Eid – Festival of breaking the fast

• Forbidden to fast during this day (Haram)
• It is required to pay Zakat-al-Fitr before the Eid prayer.
• Wear your best outfit
• Celebrate the bounty of God! :)