Ramadhan is the holiest month in Islam, and it is a time of fasting, prayer, great self-reflection, and increased worship so that we can bring ourselves even closer to Allah (SWT). However, one of the most beautiful aspects about this month that sets it apart from all other months in the lunar calendar is the emphasis on kindness, generosity, and helping others. Volunteer work in this blessed month is a powerful and easy way to earn Allah (SWT)’s pleasure, strengthen your faith, and support those in need.

The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was known for his unmatched generosity, especially during Ramadhan. Ibn Abbas reports in a hadith documented in Sahih Bukhari, “The Messenger of Allah was the most generous of people, and he was even more generous in Ramadhan when Jibraeel met with him” (Sahih Bukhari, 3554).

This hadith teaches us that Ramadhan is a time to give, just as the Prophet (SAW) did. Whether it’s feeding the hungry, caring for the sick, or supporting orphans, every small act of kindness carries immense rewards.

As Muslims, we should be grateful that our religion calls for helping others not simply as an encouraged act but, rather, as an obligation. Allah (SWT) commands this in The Quran when He says, “Establish prayer, and pay alms-tax. Whatever good you send forth for yourselves, you will certainly find its reward with Allah. Surely Allah is All-Seeing of what you do” (The Clear Quran®, 2:110).

While zakat (obligatory charity) is one form of giving, voluntary acts of kindness also bring great blessings. The Prophet (SAW) said, “The best of people are those who are most beneficial to others” (al-Mu’jam al-Awsat, 5937).

Ramadhan is the perfect time to act on this teaching by engaging in volunteer work and community service.

The rewards of volunteer work in Ramadhan

1. It is the best month to maximize good deeds: One of the greatest blessings of Ramadhan is the multiplication of rewards. The Prophet (SAW) has said, “The month of Ramadhan has come, a blessed month in which Allah Almighty has obligated you to fast. In it the gates of the heavens are opened, the gates of Hellfire are closed, the devils are chained, and in it is a night that is better than a thousand months. Thus, whoever is deprived of its good is truly deprived” (Musnad Ahmad, 7148). This means that even a small act of kindness in Ramadhan brings rewards many times over.
2. Charity protects from the fire: Giving in charity is a way to protect ourselves from Hellfire. The Prophet (SAW) said, “Protect yourselves from the Fire, even if it is by giving half a date in charity” (Sahih Bukhari, 498). If we can obtain sanction from the Hellfire by giving just half of a date, imagine the rewards we will receive when feeding an entire family for iftar!
3. Volunteer work earns Allah (SWT)’s mercy: Allah (SWT) loves those who help others. The Quran says, “Indeed, Allah’s mercy is always close to the good-doers” (The Clear Quran®, 7:56). When we help others, whether by donating, volunteering, or spreading kindness, we bring ourselves closer to Allah (SWT)’s mercy.

Types of volunteer work in Ramadhan

1. Feeding the hungry: One of the best deeds in Ramadhan is feeding a fasting person. The Prophet (SAW) said, “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).

   Here are some ways you can participate within your local community this Ramadhan:

   • Donate meals to a local mosque or community center
   • Help prepare iftar for the poor
   • Arrange food packages for needy families
2. Helping the elderly and sick: The elderly and sick may struggle to complete daily tasks during Ramadhan. Visiting and assisting them is a highly rewarded act in Islam. The Prophet (SAW) said, “He is not one of us who does not show mercy to our young and respect to our elders” (Sunan Abi Dawood, 4943).

   Here are some ways you can help the elderly in your community this Ramadhan:

   • Visit elderly relatives or neighbors
   • Assist with shopping, cooking, or errands
   • Spend time with the sick to provide comfort
3. Supporting orphans and needy families: Allah (SWT) highlights the special status of orphans in The Quran when He says, “…and give food—despite their desire for it—to the poor, the orphan, and the captive, saying to themselves, ‘We feed you only for the sake of Allah, seeking neither reward nor thanks from you” (The Clear Quran®, 76:8-9).

   According to hadith, the Prophet (SAW) also said, “…‘I and the one who cares for an orphan will be in Paradise like this—’, and he held his two fingers together” (Sahih Bukhari, 5304).

   Here are some ways to help the orphans and needy families this Ramadhan:

   • Donate gently used clothes, food, or money to orphanages
   • Sponsor a child’s education
   • Organize a Ramadhan fundraiser for needy families
4. Cleaning and maintaining mosques: Mosques play a vital role in Ramadhan. Keeping them clean is a form of worship. The Prophet (SAW) praised a woman who cleaned the mosque and even prayed for her after she passed away.

   Here are some ways you can help keep your masajid clean during Ramadhan:

   • Volunteer to clean prayer areas
   • Provide dates and water to worshippers
   • Organize Taraweeh prayer arrangements
5. Educating and teaching others: Spreading knowledge is one of the best acts of charity. The Quran says, “O believers! When you are told to make room in gatherings, then do so. Allah will make room for you in His grace. And if you are told to rise, then do so. Allah will elevate those of you who are faithful, and raise those gifted with knowledge in rank. And Allah is All-Aware of what you do” (The Clear Quran®, 58:11).

   Here’s how you can share knowledge this Ramadhan:

   • Teach lessons of Islam through dawah
   • Teach Quran to new Muslims or Muslims
   • Share beneficial Islamic reminders
6. Spread positivity and kindness: Even small gestures, like smiling, have great rewards. The Prophet (SAW) said, “Verily, your smile in the face of your brother is charity” (al-Mu’jam al-Awsat, 8342).

   Here are some other ways you can give charity through kindness this Ramadhan:

   • Smile and greet people warmly
   • Offer encouragement and support
   • Promote good deeds on social media

When we volunteer, we improve our character, strengthen our faith, and build a stronger Muslim community. The Quran reminds us, “The example of those who spend their wealth in the cause of Allah is that of a grain that sprouts into seven ears, each bearing one hundred gains. And Allah multiplies the reward even more to whoever He wills. For Allah is All-Bountiful, All-Knowing” (The Clear Quran®, 2:261).

Ramadhan is a time to seek Allah (SWT)’s pleasure through acts of worship and kindness. Whether through feeding the hungry, helping the sick, or simply offering a kind word, every effort counts. Let’s make this Ramadhan not just about fasting, but also about giving, serving, and spreading goodness