A fasting person should be keen to give charity frequently during the month of Ramadan, following the example of the Beloved Prophet ﷺ. Generosity in Ramadan is a central theme of the Prophetic tradition, reflecting the spiritual abundance of this holy month.
The Prophetic Hadith on Generosity in Ramadan
It was narrated that Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) said:
“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ was the most generous of people, and he was most generous during Ramadan when Gabriel met him. Gabriel used to meet him every night of Ramadan to review the Quran with him. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ was more generous in doing good than the blowing wind.” (Agreed upon: Al-Bukhari 1902, Muslim 2308).
In this noble Prophetic guidance, the Prophet ﷺ set a magnificent example of benevolence throughout the year; however, when Ramadan arrived, his generosity and kindness increased even further.
Meanings and Implications of “The Most Generous of People”
- “The Most Generous of People”: This means the most giving. Generosity (Al-Jood) is a praised trait.
- A Subtle Linguistic Point:Ibn Abbas placed the phrase “The Messenger of Allah ﷺ was the most generous of people in doing good” first as a precaution. This ensures it is understood that his generosity was constant, not only during the study of the Quran with Gabriel.
- “The Blowing Wind” (Al-Mursalah): This refers to a wind sent forth freely. It implies he was swifter in giving than the wind, bringing universal benefit to everyone it passes over (Ref: Fath al-Bari).
Al-Zayn ibn al-Munayyir stated: The comparison to the “wind of mercy” signifies that his ﷺ goodness reached everyone—the poor, the needy, and the wealthy—more extensively than rain brought by the wind.
The Wisdom Behind Increased Generosity in Ramadan
Scholars have noted several reasons why Generosity in Ramadan is so significant:
- Spiritual Richness: Studying the Quran renews the soul’s state of “richness” (Ghina), which naturally leads to giving.
- Season of Divine Blessings: Since Allah’s blessings are greater in Ramadan, the Prophet ﷺ followed this divine pattern by increasing his own giving.
- The Impact of Revelation: The combination of the holy month, the Quran, and the presence of Gabriel (AS) created an environment for peak generosity.
The Meeting with Gabriel (AS) and Quranic Study
Al-Sindi remarked that the increase in generosity resulted from studying the verses of the Quran, which urge high moral character. While the Prophet’s ﷺ recitation was constant throughout the year, the nightly descent of Gabriel added a unique spiritual effect.
Whether it was to honor the month or to show gratitude for the revelation, the Prophet ﷺ chose to exemplify the highest standards of charity and kindness during these nightly meetings.
Key Benefits and Lessons from the Hadith
- Encouragement of Charity: The strong recommendation to increase generosity and charity during Ramadan.
- Impact of Righteous Company: Goodness increases when meeting righteous people.
- Superiority of the Quran: Reciting and studying the Quran is superior to all other forms of remembrance (Dhikr) during this month.
- Revelation History: The Hadith indicates that the Quran began its descent to the lowest heaven during Ramadan.
The Hadith of Review and Fatima (RA)
Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated that Fatima (may Allah be pleased with her) approached the Prophet ﷺ, who whispered a secret to her. He revealed:
“Gabriel used to review the Quran with me once every year, but he has reviewed it with me twice this year. I believe my death is near…”
He then comforted her by saying she would be the leader of the women of the believers. This “Reviewing” (Al-Mu’aradah) implies a mutual recitation, emphasizing the deep connection between the Quran and the final days of the Prophet’s ﷺ life.
By Al-Sayyid Ahmed Ahmed Sahlul
