3 Fun Ramadan Charity Ideas for Kids
All around the world, Ramadan has come to be known as a month of charity. Ramadan charity is the best-known charity. Ramadan donation helps us remember those who are being tested with poverty or financial struggles, in our vicinity and worldwide. It is also a time when the reward of all good deeds is multiplied. What better time, then, to donate to worthy causes? And what better time to involve our children in learning and practising this lofty good deed?
First, it’s important to reflect on what the Qur’an and Sunnah tell us about the status of Ramadan charity, Ramadan donation, sadaqah, or voluntary charity.
Sadaqah in the Qur’an and Sunnah
In the Qur’an, Allah tells us,
“O believers, give of what We have provided for you” (2:254).
This is a reminder of where our provision comes from; Allah is the One who provided us with all that we have, and He is commanding us to give from it. He also promises us a great reward in the following verses:
“Those who in charity spend of their goods by night and by day, in secret and in public, have their reward with their Lord: on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve” (Qur’an 2:274).
“The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing” (Qur’an 2:261).
“By no means shall you attain righteousness unless you give freely of that which you love, and whatever you give, Allah knows it well” (Qur’an 3:92).
What does our beloved prophet ﷺ teach us about sadaqah? Here are just a few of the ahadith about the benefits of charity and the broad definition of this act of worship:
“Sadaqah extinguishes sin as water extinguishes fire” (Tirmidhi).
“Charity does not decrease wealth. No one forgives another but that Allah increases his honour, and no one humbles himself for the sake of Allah but that Allah raises his status” (Muslim).
“Sadaqah is due on every joint of a person every day the sun rises. Administering of justice between two men is a sadaqah. And assisting a man to ride upon his beast, or helping him load his luggage upon it, is a sadaqah; and a good word is a sadaqah; and every step that you take towards prayer is a sadaqah, and removing of harmful things from the pathway is a sadaqah” (Muslim).
3 Ramadan Charity Ideas for Kids
All of us want the benefits of sadaqah for ourselves and our children. But how can we encourage our children to give sadaqah during this month? Here are three ideas that you can tweak according to your circumstances and your creativity!
Donate or Raise Money For a Good Cause
Whether you set aside a bit of money in a charity jar or make crafts or baked goods to sell, there are so many ways to raise money for Ramadan donation, and so many good causes.
Share Food
Providing food for a fasting person has a special reward! So look for ways to score good deeds, like buying and wrapping dates for people at the masjid to break their fast, sending a plate of treats to the neighbours, or inviting a friend over for iftar.
Donate Your Time
This is a an often-neglected aspect of charity, and one that can encompass almost every good deed! Examples are volunteering your time at the masjid or any organization that does good work, teaching someone something new, smiling at friends and family, watering a plant, taking care of an animal, and removing something harmful from the road.
Whatever forms of charity, Ramadan donation, or activities you choose, involve your children in every step, and you’ll find them growing into a love of charity and the joy it brings to themselves and others.
