Often people enthusiastically give donations during the last ten days of Ramadan, partly for wanting greater reward and partly (unfortunately sometimes true) because it’s a oh I forgot moment. How do we best suggest to those in our circles to in fact disperse Zakat during the year leading to Ramadan so the deserving can be facilitated on on ongoing basis, not just based on our desires to attain greater rewards. Given that both are necessary and rightful, how do we create that balance?
Bismillahi Ta’ala
Walaikum Assalam Warahmatullah,
The plight to assist the deserving throughout the year is indeed praiseworthy. However, it should not diminish the desire to gain additional rewards. If within your circles you have those who will be giving out sadaqaat, then you may give them guidance to strive to attain all the Ramadhan rewards through sadaqah. And then use that tawfeeq and desire acquired in Ramadhan to continue a regular assistance for needy people post-Ramadhan as well. Excellence in one should not deprive the other.
Wallahu A’lam
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Mufti Faisal al-Mahmudi