In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
All praise and thanks belong to Allah, and may the peace and
blessings be upon the noblest of Prophets and Messengers,
our Prophet Muhammad, his family and all of his companions. To proceed:
Dear brothers and sisters! Ramadan is a month of divine mercy, prompting governments to reflect this through compassion, reducing public hardship, and fostering charity. True leadership mirrors Prophetic mercy, seen when authorities ease burdens, echoing the Qur’anic command to show kindness and support. Generosity, especially during this noble month, multiplies rewards.
Ramadan is not merely fasting from food, but a time to embody Allah’s mercy, especially for those in positions of power. Just as Allah offers forgiveness to all, governments must extend compassion to their citizens. A truly Islamic approach is to lessen the struggles of the people, ensuring sustenance and dignity for all, especially the vulnerable.
Our beloved Prophet of mercy (Peace be upon him) was most generous during the month of Ramadan. He taught that charity isn’t just about wealth; a smile is charity, and helping someone in need is a supreme act of Iman (faith). True strength lies in lifting others up, making things easy for the poor, and showing that we can be generous even when we have little.
A leader once saw a family struggling during the month of Ramadan. Instead of boasting about state projects, he personally ensured their Iftar was prepared. When asked why, he quoted, ‘If I fail to feed one person in my care, how can I face my Creator (Allah)?’ That night, the entire community felt the mercy of their leadership.
Those in authorities, especially our dear President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and our state governors should act to alleviate economic or daily struggles. Following the example of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) in kindness. Cultivating a sense of community by supporting the underprivileged. Ensuring that, just as Allah’s mercy is for all, governmental care extends to every citizen.
Respected brothers and sisters! Our beloved Prophet (Peace be upon him), was the most generous of all humankind. His generosity had no bounds and he would often give away even the last portion of the date in his home as sadaqah, and still fast himself. In fact, he was found to be the most generous giving sadaqah in Ramadan.
The Prophet’s cousin, Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, narrates:
“Allah’s Messenger (Peace be upon him), was the most generous of all the people, and he used to become even more generous in Ramadan when Jibril met him. Jibril used to meet him every night during Ramadan to teach him the Qur’an. Allah’s Messenger then used to be more generous than the strong uncontrollable wind (in readiness and haste to do charitable deeds).” [Bukhari]
Here are 10 of the virtues associated with this noble act of generosity:
1. It is a cure for illness and prevention against sudden death.
2. It relieves one in the advent of calamity, hardship and trials.
3. It expiates the sins.
4. It strengthens the bond with Allah.
5. It is a source of increasing one’s provision.
6. It provides for a shade on the Day of Judgment.
7. It is a means for having your Du’as accepted.
8. It is a source of investment for the Hereafter.
9. It is an entryway into Heaven and a shield against the Hellfire.
10. It supports the establishment of a harmonious society.
Let’s aim to utilise this blessed month of Ramadan as a means to procure countless blessings and mercy from the Almighty, by following on the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), and give sadaqah wholeheartedly by whatever means.
Ramadan is a month of mercy, generosity, and kindness. Every good deed is rewarded multifold by Allah. It is a huge opportunity for all of us to help the needy and be as generous as we can. When you give in the way of Allah, He will give you something much better in return.
May Allah grant us the ability to carry out good deeds in continuity and accept them from us, ameen.
All praise is due only to The Almighty Allah, and may His peace and blessings be upon Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), the final Messenger and the seal of Prophets.
Murtadha Muhammad Gusau is the Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Jumu’ah and the late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okene’s Mosques, Okene, Kogi State, Nigeria. He can be reached via: gusauimam@gmail.com or +2348038289761 or +2348024192217.
