Muslims around the world eagerly anticipate the holy month of Ramadan every year to make it an opportunity for self-reflection and spiritual rejuvenation by observing fasting and serving the less fortunate. With an increasing number of people dealing with food deprivation across the globe, it becomes challenging for many to observe fasting through proper suhoor and iftar.
With this consideration, one of the greatest acts to earn countless blessings during Ramadan is feeding the hungry. Get to know the 10 rewards of feeding hungry people in Ramadan and find out the significance of this noble act.
1. Reward of Feeding a Fasting Person
Among the top 10 rewards of feeding hungry is providing food to the fasting, which is one of the virtuous acts according to the teachings of Islam. Specifically, when it comes to nourishing the fasting during Ramadan, the associated rewards are significantly multiplied.
According to a Hadith for the reward of feeding a fasting person: “Whoever gives food for a fasting person to break his fast, he will have a reward like theirs, without that detracting from their reward in the slightest.” [Sunan Ibn Majah 1746]
2. Reward for the fulfillment of Sunnah
Feeding poor in Islam is counted as the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W). When you provide sustenance to those in need, you gain rewards for the fulfillment of Sunnah. Similarly, feeding the poor multiplies the rewards of Ramadan and becomes a source of continued blessings in this life and hereafter.
3. One of the Best Traits to Seek Allah’s Blessings
Among the 10 rewards of feeding hungry, we can take this Hadith for feeding the hungry as a reference to understand the significance of this generous act.
Abdullah bin Amr (ra) said:
“A man asked the Prophet, “What Islamic traits are the best?” The Prophet said,” Feed the people, and greet those whom you know and those whom you do not know”’. [Bukhari]
In another Hadith for feeding the hungry, the significance of feeding the poor in Islam is signified. The Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) said:
“The best of you are those who feed others.” [Ahmad]
4. Source of Purifying Your Wealth
Charity in any form is a source of purifying your wealth. Feeding a fasting person can add to your blessings during Ramadan as feeding the poor in Islam is considered one of the kindest acts. When you donate a part of your wealth to help others, it not only purifies your wealth but also adds barakah to it.
5. Enhancement of Empathy
Feeding the hungry leads to the development of empathy and compassion while letting one understand the struggles faced by those who are less fortunate. Sharing a meal during Ramadan not only provides nourishment but also the feeling of understanding for the problems the impoverished are living through.
6. Feeding the Poor in Islam is the Quality of Believers
The 10 rewards of feeding hungry encompass the act that is counted as the quality of believers. In the Holy Quran, Allah says:
And when it is said to them, “Spend from that which Allah has provided for you”, those who disbelieve say to those who believe, “Should we feed one whom, if Allah had willed, He would have fed? You are not but in clear error”’. [The Quran, 36:47]
In another reference, Allah (SWT) says:
“Indeed, he did not used to believe in Allah, the greatest, nor did he encourage the feeding of the poor…” [The Quran, 69: 33-34]
Our beloved Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W) said:
“He is not a believer whose stomach is filled while his neighbour is hungry.” [Bukhari]
7. Source of Forgiveness
Every act of generosity reaps the rewards of Ramadan practiced during the sacred month. Feeding a fasting person during Ramadan can become a source of forgiveness for you in this world and the afterlife. Serving humanity is one of the greatest deeds in front of Allah (SWT) and so has the power to expiate sins and seek Allah’s mercy.
8. Reward of Building Generous Community
Spreading the message of positivity in any form can become a Sadaqah Jariyah. When you feed the hungry in Ramadan, you promote positivity that helps in building a generous community where everyone cares for those who are less fortunate. In this way, others will partake in charitable acts to gain countless blessings during Ramadan, making it one of the best acts of the 10 rewards of feeding hungry.
9. Rewards in the Afterlife
Islam emphasizes helping those in need specifically during Ramadan. Fulfilling Huqooq-ul-Ibaad brings immense rewards in the life hereafter of which providing food to the less fortunate tops the list. Nothing can be better among the 10 rewards of feeding hungry than the feeling of being hugely rewarded in the afterlife.
10. Source of Gratitude
Allah (SWT) has blessed all with countless blessings unconditionally. To thank the Almighty for His beneficence, the best thing is to help humanity. The more you share your blessings with those who are deprived, the greater you will be blessed by Allah (SWT). By feeding the hungry, you are expressing your gratitude towards everything given to you by Allah.
Knowing the significance and the 10 rewards of feeding hungry, it’s time to aim for Ramadan 2024 to help provide sustenance to those who are desperate so that they can have a peaceful fasting throughout the holy month. If you want to donate towards our food and Iftar packs in Ramadan 2024, visit our website www.alwahabfoundation.org or call us on our donation hotline 020 8903 8944.