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Can I ask a question about Ramadam and charity?

6 replies

apalledandshocked · 16/04/2021 10:32

I know that charitable giving/acts of kindness are a big part of Ramadam but can I ask how it works - is it specifically for the poor and needy or can it be more general?
The reason I am asking is because last year my neighbour brought round a piece of (really nice lamb) and some stuff from her allotment. It was really sweet of her, and much appreciated. To be honest, even if I didnt want it I wouldnt have been able to say no because she is a very lovely, old woman and I would hate to offend. But, even though it was a lovely thing to recieve... we arent poor by a long stretch and it worries me if she thought we "needed" it as that feels slightly fraudulent.
For context, we brought some homemade stuff for Christmas and we have a generally good relationship - she gives the children sweets I have helped shift heavy things etc when required. So it feels quite natural to accept/give small gifts. But if they are because she thinks I am poor then I feel I should do something to correct that assumption. because of pride I guess...
I can't ask people in real life because it will look like I am being worried about "status/perception" (which partly I am I guess)

OP posts:
H1978 · 16/04/2021 11:05

Giving food as gifts is a general thing in ramadhan, not specifically for the poor. The actual act of giving charity to the poor is more specifically money, which is a percentage of your wealth.

MostExcellentHoneychurch · 16/04/2021 11:09

No, that would just have been a gift given in the generous spirit of the season, not a donation to the poor. Giving food is a separate custom to giving money to the poor for Ramadan. Don't worry.

paralysedbyinertia · 16/04/2021 11:15

Yes, in my experience, gift giving in the form of food is quite normal during Ramadan, alongside acts of charity for those less fortunate. It's just a kind gesture.

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apalledandshocked · 16/04/2021 11:37

Awesome! Thats how I took it, but then wanted to double check :) Yes, Im perfectly happy accepting acts of kindness (and it was actually really useful because it was raining and we didnt have much food so the timing was perfect).
Thanks everybody!

OP posts:
Milomonster · 16/04/2021 12:04

Accept it as kindness. She’d be well aware what constitutes obligatory charitable giving during Ramadhan.

longtimelurkerfirsttimeposter · 16/04/2021 12:07

Absolutely does not mean she assumes you're poor.
Looking after and getting on with your neighbors in general is an important part of Islam, and the blessings for giving in this month are multiplied, so people like to give more in this month.
If you have a friendly relationship it's nice to share food with your neighbors when you have made it to break fast etc

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