By Adewole Kehinde
Ramadan is a time of devotion and sacrifice, but for many Nigerians, rising inflation and the high cost of living make it challenging to afford sahur and iftar.
Ramadan is a special month for Muslims around the world, marked by fasting, reflection, and self-discipline. One of the key aspects of Ramadan is charity, where Muslims are encouraged to give to those in need.
Ramadan is not only a time for spiritual reflection and personal growth but also an opportunity to help others. Charity during Ramadan is seen as a means to purify one’s wealth, strengthen community bonds, and earn immense rewards. Muslims believe that giving charity during this month is particularly rewarding, as it is a time when Allah’s mercy and blessings are abundant.
Charity during Ramadan helps those in need and fosters empathy and solidarity within society. It reminds people of the importance of sharing, humility, and compassion. Muslims worldwide look for ways to give charity during this blessed month.
Despite these hardships, many are finding ways to observe Ramadan by cutting expenses and seeking affordable meal options.
No wonder the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, generously deemed it appropriate to put smiles on the faces of Muslim police personnel.
I encountered some police personnel around the mosque at the Force Headquarters, who praised IGP Egbetokun for giving them food to break their fast daily during the month of Ramadan.
“It has never happened before in the history of any police IGP to offer us food items for breakfast daily during Ramadan. Even though he is a Christian IGP, he gives the Muslims the priority we deserve,” a CSP told me when I approached him.
Ramadan is a special time for Muslims, filled with prayers and good deeds. It’s like a spiritual recharge. One important aspect is giving to those in need, and the Hadith has valuable lessons about this. So, let’s explore what the Hadith teaches us about giving during Ramadan.
Charity holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims, especially during Ramadan. It’s not just about giving money; it’s about showing compassion and helping those in need. The Prophet Muhammad’s Hadith emphasises the significance of charity in this holy month.
He said, “Give charity without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity.” This means that charity can protect us from difficulties and hardships. It’s a way to purify our hearts and share our blessings with others. In Ramadan, our charity can make a big impact, both on those we help and on ourselves, as it brings us closer to Allah and strengthens our sense of community.
In Ramadan, the rewards of giving charity are boundless, as highlighted in the Hadith. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized that Ramadan is a month of immense blessings and forgiveness.
He said, “Ramadan is the month of giving and mercy, and in it, Allah blesses the believers with forgiveness and being saved from Hellfire.”
Another hadith teaches us that charity elevates our status in the eyes of Allah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) stated, “Charity does not in any way decrease wealth, and the servant who forgives, Allah adds to his respect.” This reminds us that not only does charity benefit those in need, but it also enhances our character and elevates our spiritual standing.
As IGP Egbetokun put smiles on the faces of Muslim police personnel, I call on all police personnel to join hands in prayer and action for the Nigeria police’s continued growth and professionalism.
It is high time we fervently seek Allah’s guidance and protection for the office of the Inspector General of Police and its management team. Let our words and deeds reflect our shared commitment to peace, unity, and progress.
Adewole Kehinde is the publisher of Swift Reporters. 08166240846. kennyadewole@gmail.com @kennyadewole
