Generosity is a virtuous trait that every Muslim should strive to attain. As for the believer who closely adheres to the teachings of Islam, kindness and giving from what he has become part of his good character.

Generosity is the opposite of stinginess, as stinginess is a disease of the heart. The Muslim should avoid this bad quality, for it is a source of corruption. The Muslim’s faith and righteous deeds purify his heart, so his hands should be outstretched, giving to those who are in need.
 
A generous man will share what he has with others, thinking about other people as he thinks of himself. He benefits by helping others and solving their problems. He makes people happy and prevents them from doing wrong, which is often a direct result of poverty. This is a great service to society, and there are some people who spend their life in this service, establishing valuable foundations which remain after them such as hospitals, libraries etc.
 
Whatever is given for Allaah’s Sake will never decrease one’s wealth in the slightest; rather, it will bless, purify and increase it, as the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) said: “Charity does not decrease wealth.” [Muslim]

Whatever is given in charity will be recorded with The One Who has full knowledge of all things. Allaah, Almighty, Says (what means): "...And whatever you spend of good – it will be fully repaid to you, and you will not be wronged.'' [Quran 2: 272]
 
The Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) directed the Muslims’ attention to this higher understanding of generosity when he asked ‘Aaishah may Allaah be pleased with her what was left of the sheep they had slaughtered. She told him sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ): ‘Nothing but the shoulder.” He sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) said, ‘Everything except the shoulder is saved'.” [At-Tirmithi]
 
Whatever is spent will return multiplied and Allaah will increase it in this world and in the next. Allaah Says (what means): “The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allaah is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allaah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And Allaah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.” [Quran 2: 261]
 
And (what means): “…But whatever thing you spend [in His cause] – He will compensate it; and He is the best of providers." [Quran 34: 39]
 
Since noble characteristics are acquired in different ways, the Muslim works to develop virtuous traits according to Islamic guidelines. Allaah Says (what means): “And spend [in the way of Allaah] from what We have provided you before death approaches one of you and he says, ‘My Lord, if only You would delay me for a brief term so I would give charity and be among the righteous.’ [Quran 63: 10]
 
Generosity is not expressed exclusively with wealth and money, but also with our time, good deeds, actions and kindness to all people. Allaah Says (what means): "Never will you attain the good [reward] until you spend [in the way of Allaah] from that which you love..."[Quran 3: 92]    
 
Allaah, Almighty Says (what means): “Indeed, mankind was created anxious: when evil touches him, impatient, and when good touches him, withholding [of it]...”[Quran 70: 19-21]
 
The Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) said: "Protect yourself from the Hell-fire even by giving a piece of a date as charity.'' [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
 
This narration shows that a person can be generous and win the pleasure of Allaah even by spending a small quantity of wealth.
 
Jaabir may Allaah be pleased with him reported that the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) never said `no' to anyone who asked him for something. [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
 
This narration illustrates the generosity of the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ). If somebody asked him for something, he sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) would never say `no' to him. He sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) would also, on occasions, resort to borrowing to meet the want of a needy person.
 
The Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) said: "Everyday two angels descend and one of them says, `O Allaah! Compensate (more) to the person who gives (in charity)'; while the other one says, `O Allaah! Destroy the one who withholds (charity, etc).’" [Al-Bukhaari]
 
The Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) also said: "Allaah, the Exalted, Says, `Spend, O son of Aadam, you will also be spent upon.'' [Al-Bukhaari & Muslim]
 
According to the narration, one who spends in the way of Allaah, will be duly paid. It means that Allaah will enhance the provision of such a man and grant him the best recompense.
 
In another narration, the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) said: "There are forty kinds of virtue, the highest of which is to gift a (milch) she-goat. He who practices any of these virtues, expecting its reward (from Allaah) and believing in the truth of the promise made for it, will enter Jannah (Paradise).'' [Al-Bukhaari]
 
A person giving charity should not render it vain by reminders of his generosity or by injury. The giver should be cheerful when asked and when giving. He should spend without being stingy or irresponsible.
 
Whether giving in abundance from his riches, or a small amount of his meager means, one should give with complete satisfaction, a cheerful face and nice speech.
 
The Muslim who truly understands the teachings of his religion never looks down upon any charity, no matter how small it may be. He strives to do as much as he is able, while he is firm in his conviction that Allaah will reward his good deeds, no matter how small, as Allaah Says (what means): “On no soul does Allaah place a burden greater that it can bear …”[Quran 2: 286]
 
He also responds to the words of the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ): “Protect yourselves from the Fire even if it is with half a date.” [Al-Bukhaari]
 
Islam teaches the Muslims to be constructive, beneficial members of their societies; always helping those who are deprived and destitute to the best of their abilities. Every good deed is described as an act of charity, as the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) said: “Every Muslim must give charity.” They said, “O Messenger of Allaah, what if he cannot do that?” He, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) said, “Then let him help one who is in desperate need.” He, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) said, “Then let him do good, and refrain from doing evil, and that will be an act of charity on his part.” [Al-Bukhaari & Muslim]

Source: www.islamweb.net

We all know that Islam is built on five pillars:

1. Shahadah – Declaration of Faith

2. Salah – Performing Prayers regularly

3. Zakah – Paying Charity

4. Sawm – Fasting during the month of Ramadan

5. Hajj – Pilgrimage to the House of Allah (Ka’bah)

But did you know that it is most likely that the most neglected duty is Zakah?.

"And perform the Salat and give Zakat, and whatever of good (deeds that Allah loves) you send forth for yourselves before you, you shall find it with Allah. Certainly, Allah is All-Seer of what you do." [Surah Baqarah; 2:110]

Zakat is mentioned many times in the Glorious Qur'an along with Salah. It is a compulsory obligation on every Muslim who owns the Nisab (an amount set by Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala and His Messenger (Sallallahu 'Alayhi waSalam)) in their wealth which was in his possession for one full year.

Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (radiAllahu anhu) fought against those who made a difference between Salah and Zakah during the early days of his Caliphate.

Lets look at the importance of Zakah.

"Take Sadaqah (charity) from their wealth in order to purify them and sanctify them with it and invoke Allah for them. Verily! Your invocations are a source of security for them and Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing" [Surah At-Tawbah; 9:103]

The Arabic word Zakah means, purity, cleanness and growth. In Islamic terminology it means giving a certain amount of ones wealth to deserving Muslims. But Zakah has an even greater significance. It has humanitarian, social and political value.

Zakah purifies the heart of the giver from selfishness and greed and the heart of the recipient from envy, jealousy and hatred. Mutual love and respect and good feeling is created between both parties. If implemented as instructed by The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) it plays a dynamic role in economics, social welfare and fair distribution of wealth.

So what is the Nisab for Zakah?

Nisab is the limit above which it is compulsory to pay Zakah. The Nisab for different type of property is different. The Nisab on Gold, Silver and Currencies is the value 85 grams of gold or 595 grams of silver valued at the current rate (the day of paying Zakah).

2.5 percent Zakah is to be paid on any amount over this Nisab. For merchandise and livestock, agricultural products etc. there are different rulings, which are detailed in books on Zakah.

Who gets our Zakah?

Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala tells us in Surah At Tawbah 9: 60 the eight classes of people to whom Zakah should be paid. There are the Poor (Faqir), the needy (Miskin), collectors of Zakah, to attract the heart of those who are inclined towards Islam, to free slaves (captive), those in debt, for the cause of Allah (Jihad, etc) and the traveler.

Now lets ask ourselves what happens when we defraud the government in our taxes? The answer is obvious. We go to prison or pay a heavy fine. But what happens when we defraud Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala? The Merciful answers this question in the following verse of the Glorious Qur'an:

"They who hoard up gold and sliver and spend it not in the way of Allah, announce to them (O Muhammad) a painful torment. On the day when it all will be heated in the Fire of Hell, and their foreheads and their flanks and their backs will be branded with it, (and it will said to them) This is the treasure which you hoarded for yourself, now taste of what you used to hoard." [Surah At-Tawbah; 9: 34-35]

I pray to Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala to save us from this punishment. Ameen!

Source: www.geocities.com/mutmainaa

Narrated Ibn 'Umar: The Prophet (upon whom be Allahs Peace and Blessings) ordered the people to pay Zakat-ul-fitr before going to the 'Id prayer. (Bukhari, 1424)

Compiled by Sister Shawana A. Aziz

Zakaat al-Fitr: The Purifying Charity ‘Zakaat al-Fitr' or 'Sadaqah al-Fitr' means 'the purifying charity of breaking the fast’ It is a prescribed amount of staple food given by the Muslims to their poor Muslim brothers during the last few days of Ramadaan or on the morning of Eid prior to the Eid prayer.

The Wisdom of Zakaat al-Fitr:

The wisdom behind 'Zakaat al-Fitr' is as mentioned in the narration of Ibn Abbas (radhi allahu anhu): “The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu laihi wa-sallam) ordained Zakaat al-Fitr to purify the fasting person from indecent words or actions and to provide food for the needy. It is accepted as Zakaat for the person who gives it before the Eid prayer; but merely Sadaqah for the one who gives it after the prayer.” [(Hasan) Abu Dawood (no: 1622), an-Nisa'ee (5/49), Ibn Majah (1/585) and others]

Thus, Zakaat al-Fitr serves as a purification for those who fast in the month of Ramadaan from the minor sins, which decrease the rewards of their fasts. It is also feeding the poor Muslims, so that they may have enough provision during Eid. Al-Khattabee (rahimahullah) says in Ma'aalimus Sunan (2/214): “It is obligatory upon every wealthy fasting person and poor person who has in excess of his need, since its obligation is in order to purify and all those who fast need this. So, if they are all in need for it (i.e. purification from sins), then they are all the same as regards to its obligation.”

The Obligation of Zakaat al-Fitr:

Zakaat al-Fitr is obligatory on every individual who is capable of giving it, as Ibn Umar (radhi allahu anhu) stated: “The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu laihi wa-sallam) ordained Zakaat al-Fitr in the amount of one saa of dates or one saa of barley for the Muslim; slave or free, male or female, young or old; and he ordered that it be given before the people went out to the Eid prayer.” [Saheeh al-Bukharee and Saheeh Muslim]

The responsibility of Zakaat al-Fitr falls on the head of the household;

He should give it on behalf of himself and those under his care; young and old; male and female, free and slave. Ibn Umar (radhi allahu anhu) said: “The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu laihi wa-sallam) ordained Sadaqah al-Fitr for those under your custody; young and old, free and slave.” [(hasan) ad-Daraqutni and others]

As for him, who does not have the financial capability to pay Zakaat al-Fitr, then he is exempted from this obligation because Allah clearly says: “Allah does not require from any soul more than his capability.” [Soorah al-Baqarah(2): 286]

Note: Zakaat al-Fitr is not required to be paid on behalf of a fetus because a fetus is not considered as a young person neither in the language nor in practice.

What is accepted as Zakaat al-Fitr?

Zakaat al-Fitr should be given in the form of 'staple food' like wheat, barley, rice etc. Abu Sa'eed al-Khudree (radhi allahu anhu) said: “(At the time of the Prophet (sallallahu laihi wa-sallam)) we used to give out Zakaat al-Fitr as one saa of food, one saa of barley, one saa of dates, one saa of aqit (dried yogurt), or one saa of raisins. At that time, our food used to be barley, raisins, aqit and dates.” [Saheeh al-Bukharee]

The scholars differ in understanding the 'food' referred to in this report. However, the reports discussing Zakaat al-Fitr generally cover all kinds of grains such as wheat, barley etc. Ibn Abbas (radhi allahu anhu) said: “The Sadaqah of Ramadaan is one saa. Thus, he who brings wheat, it will be accepted from him; he who brings barley, it will be accepted from him; he who brings dates, it will be accepted from him; he who brings rye, it will be accepted from him; he who brings raisins, it will be accepted from him…” [(saheeh) Ibn Khuzaimah]

The above Ahadeeth indicate that Zakaat al-Fitr cannot be given in the form of money. However, one may determine the approximate value of the food he has to pay and hand it to an individual or an organization, which he trusts to buy the correct type. It is important that when Zakaat al-Fitr reaches the recipients, it is in the form, permissible by the Sunnah.

Quantity of Zakaat al-Fitr:

The amount of Zakaat al-Fitr is one saa of any food mentioned above except one i.e. wheat which is half saa. The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu laihi wa-sallam) said: “Give a saa of wheat or wheat-grain to two people; or one saa of dates, or a saa of barley for every free person and slave and young and old.” [(saheeh) Daraqutni (2/151) and Musnad Ahmad (5/432)]

The ‘saa’ was a fixed amount of capacity of volume; it varied from place to place, but the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu laihi wa-sallam) standardized it saying: “Weights are according to Madeenah's weights; and the measures are according to Madeenah's measures.” [(saheeh) Abu Dawood (2340), an-Nisa'ee (7/281) and others]

Thus, the saa mentioned in the Hadeeth is the saa of the people of Madeenah, which is available to this time. However, since it is not accessible to most of the people, scholars have estimated it approximately to four full handfuls (with hands put together) of an average man. [An-Nawawi in al-Majmoo 6: 69]

It is wrong to measure Zakaat al-Fitr by weight because weight of one saa varies for different materials. However, if the relationship between weight and capacity is determined for a specific material, the weight of one saa of that material may then be used.

Time to give the Zakaat al-Fitr:

Zakaat al-Fitr should be given on the day of Eid prior to the Eid prayer, as in the narration of Ibn Abbas (radhi allahu anhu): “…It (Zakaat al-Fitr) is accepted as Zakaat for the person who gives it before the Eid prayer; but merely Sadaqah for the one who gives it after the prayer.” [(hasan) Abu Dawood (no: 1622), an-Nisa'ee (5/49, 5/550), Ibn Majah (1/585) and others]

It is further reported that Ibn Umar (radhi allahu anhu) used to give Zakaat al-Fitr one or two days before the Eid. [An-Nawawi in al-Majmoo 6: 69] This provides a basis for giving Zakaat al-Fitr a few days before the Eid but it is incorrect to give it too early, which might conflict with its wisdom of being an atonement for the sins during the month of Ramadaan and provision for the needy on the day of Eid; it will further conflicts with the practice of the pious predecessors.

It is also allowed to appoint individuals to collect Zakaat al-Fitr from the people; it is further recommended to appoint a person to take care of the collected Zakaat al-Fitr, as the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu laihi wa-sallam) appointed Abu Hurayrah (radhi allahu anhu) for this job, as he (radhi allahu anhu) said: “Allah's Messenger (sallallahu laihi wa-sallam) entrusted me to look after the Zakaat of Ramadaan.” [Saheeh al-Bukharee]

People who deserve Zakaat al-Fitr:

Zakaat al-Fitr should be distributed to the miskin (the needy) and not among all the eight categories which are eligible for the Zakaat on wealth, as Ibn Abbas (radhi allahu anhu) said: “The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu laihi wa-sallam) ordained Zakaat al-Fitr to purify the fasting person from indecent words or actions, and to provide food for the needy…” [(hasan) Abu Dawood (ni: 1622), an-Nisa'ee (5/49, 5/550), Ibn Majah (1/585) and others]

This view is preferred by Shaikh al-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah (rahimahullah) and his student Ibn al-Qayyim in his valuable book 'Zaad al-Ma'aad' (2/44).

Source: http://www.ahya.org

by Imâm al-Haramain 'Abdul-Bârî ibn ‘Awad ath-Thubaytî

All praise is due to Almighty Allaah Who has made Ramadaan a month of plentiful reward. I thank Him for favoring us with these last ten days. I testify that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allaah and that Muhammad r is His Servant and Messenger. May Allaah bestow peace and blessings upon him, his family and companions.

Brothers in Islaam, fear Allaah as He should be feared and be mindful of Him openly and secretly.

“O you who believe! fear Allaah as He should be feared and die not except in the state of Islaam.” (Aal ‘Imraan 3:102).      

Fellow Muslims, Our Almighty Lord says

“And march forth in the way (which leads) to forgiveness from your Lord and for Paradise as wide as are the heavens and the earth, prepared for the pious.” (Aal ‘Imraan 3:133).

He also says:

“Race one with another in hastening towards Forgiveness from your Lord, and towards Paradise, the width whereof is as the width of heaven and earth, prepared for those who believe in Allaah and His Messengers. That is the Grace of Allaah which He bestows on whom He pleases. And Allaah is the Owner of Great Bounty.” (Al-Hadeed 57:21)[1]      

Dear brethren, when one carefully looks at peoples’ behavior, he will notice different kinds of competition. Some people do compete over this mundane world as to conquer and hold it in their possession; some compete over the attainment of high positions; some compete to achieve fame and stardom and some compete on building luxurious houses just as if this world is an everlasting one.

Let us leave those people moving directionlessly in their fake pleasures and ponder over a better and sublime competition; a competition that is encouraged by the Glorious Qur’aan. It is a race towards the Pleasure of Allaah and the Paradise, a competition in the field of righteous deeds. It is a competition in which the participants are wise people who are aware that this live is short hence they compete with one another in investing their lives in acts of obedience to Allaah.
The Messenger of Allaah saws kindled the fire of race towards what pleases Allaah in the hearts of his companions when he said:

“The Mufarridoon have gone ahead!’ The companions asked: ‘Who are the Mufarridoon O Messenger of Allaah!’ He answered: “They are those men and women who remember Allaah much.” (Muslim)

He also said

“Should I teach something with which you can catch up with those who have gone ahead of you and outstrip those who are behind you and none will be better than you except the one who does as you do?’ They said: ‘Yes! O Messenger of Allaah!’ He said: ‘You should glorify Allaah, exalt him and praise Him 33 times at the end of every prayer.” (Muslim)

He also said:

“If people had known the reward of Aadhaan and the first row (in the congregational prayer) and would not get a way to it except by casting lots they would have certainly done that; and if they had known the reward in the midnoon prayer, they would have raced with one another to attend it. If they had known the reward in the late evening prayer (‘Ishaa) and the dawn prayer (Fajr) they would have attended it even if they had to crawl.” (Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim).

When you read the stories of the Sahaabah, you will see that they are resolute, enthusiastic and serious as far as good deeds are concerned to the extent that the poor among them do compete with the rich in carrying out meritorious acts even though they had no excessive money with which they could compete with them in acts of charity.

Some poor companions came to the Messenger of Allaah saws one day and asked him of what they could do to be ahead of the rich in terms of reward.

They said: ‘O Messenger of Allaah! The rich people have made away with rewards. They pray as we do, fast as we do and spend their excessive wealth in charity.’
He answered: ‘Has Allaah not provided for you what you can do charity with? Indeed, every glorification (Subhaanallaah) that you do is charity, every exaltation (Allaahu Akbar) that you do is charity, every praise that you give(Alhamdulillaah) is charity, every ‘Laailaaha illa Allaah’ that you say is charity, enjoining what is good is charity, preventing evil is charity and even doing marital intercourse with one’s spouse is charity.’
They said: ‘O Messenger of Allaah! How can we enjoy ourselves and still get reward for it?’
He replied: ‘Tell me, if he does it in an unlawful way, is it not going to be a sin? Likewise is when he does it in a lawful way, he is going to get a reward for that.” (Muslim).

Here is a good example of the Sahaabahs’ competition with one another in the field of meritorious deeds. In the days of the Battle of Badr, Sa‘d ibn Khaythamah draw lots with his father as to whom of both will participate in the battle. Sa‘d’s lot emerged and his father told him: ‘My son, give me preference over yourself today.’Sa‘d answered: ‘If it is other things beside Paradise I would have done that.’So Sa‘d went to the Battle of Badr and was martyred. His father later took part in the Battle of Uhud and also got martyred.
The noble and commendable competitions that occurred between Aboo Bakr and ‘Umar is also well-known though ‘Umar never succeeded in outstripping Aboo Bakr. To cite an example, the Messenger of Allaah saws once called upon his companions to give charity.

‘Umar saw that as an oppurtunity to outstrip Aboo Bakr and he said: ‘Today, I am going to surpass Aboo Bakr.’ He said: ‘So I came with half of my property. The Messenger of Allaah r asked: ‘What have you left for your family?’ I answered: ‘As much as this.’ Then Aboo Bakr came with all that he has and the Messenger of Allaah r said: ‘What have you left for your family?’ He replied: ‘I left for them Allaah and his Messenger.’ It is then that I said: ‘I shall never compete with him on anything again.” (At-Tirmidhee).

It is quite wonderful that Aboo Bakr participated competitively in all aspects of good deeds; be it spending in the cause of Allaah, worship and propagation of Islaam.

Actually, entering the competition for meritorious acts creates in a Muslim a desire to meet up with those who are above him in terms of devotion, Da‘wah and Jihaad. Some ‘Ulamaa while commenting on the verse:

“Hasten towards all that is good” (Al-Baqarah 2:1448) said: “Whoever beats others to the righteous deeds in this world will be the foremost on the Last Day and the foremost people are the highest in position.”

Allaah says while lauding the foremost:

“Verily, they used to hasten on to do good deeds, and they use to call on Us with hope and fear, and used to humble themselves before Us.” (Al-Anbiyaa 21:90)      

The above verses are enough to make a Muslim aim for the highest possible rank through a noble race towards all acts of worship. As for the Taabi‘een, they have laid a great example in the arena of competition over good deeds. They used to rebuke their souls whenever it lagged behind in the race towards righteous acts and they would tell it:

“The Sahaabah rode behind the Prophet saws on the backs of the perfectly breeded race horses and we are riding on the backs of lame donkeys. Do you then want to hamper our movement so that they can win the Messenger of Allaah saws while we remain on the way? ..By Allaah, we shall meet up with them even though we have to crawl so that they will know that those they left behind are really men.”

If you therefore, want to increase your reward in the hereafter, hasten to join the arena of the great race, for you are now in the season of good deeds. The highest thing that people can compete for is the Paradise which is as wide as are the heavens and the earth. Allaah says:

“Such is the Paradise which We shall give as an inheritance to those of Our slaves who have been Al-Muttaqun (pious and righteous persons).” (Maryam 19:63)      

These are the last days of Ramadaan; days of bounties and rewards. It is a period in which supplications are answered and it is the best time to beseech the Lord of the heavens and the earth. For this let the competitors do compete.

Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim reported from Aaishah that she said:

“In the last ten days of Ramadaan, the Prophet saws would tighten his loincloth, spend his nights in worship and wake up his household.”

These three short sentences explain the manner in which the Prophet r spent the last ten days of Ramadaan in the most beautiful way. You all know how busy the Prophet r used to be, yet he would not allow this best season to go unused in acts of worship. He would devote himself exclusively during these ten days to Ibaadah, seeking for Allaah’s reward. He would do all this, regardless of the fact that Allaah has forgiven him all his sins. What then are we doing?!!

The phrase ‘ would tighten his loincloth’ is used figuratively to mean: ‘he would exert all efforts and vigor in the acts of ‘Ibaadah’.The Messenger of Allaah would preoccupy himself with different kinds of worship throught the day and night. You would see him standing in prayer, doing a lot of Istighfaar, reciting the glorious Qur’aan and raising his hand in prayer doing all these in the quest for Lailatu-Qadr upon which a Soorah -that will continue to be recited till the Day of Ressurection- was revealed:

“We have sent it (this Qur’an) in the night of Al-Qadr (Decree). And what will make you know the night of Al-Qadr (Decree). The night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is better than a thousand months (i.e. worshipping Allah in that night is better than worshipping Him a thousand months, i.e. 83 years and 4 months). Therein descend the angels and the Ruh [Jibrael (Gabriel)] by Allah’s Permission with all Decrees. Peace! (All that night, there is Peace and Goodness from Allah to His believing slaves) until the appearance of dawn.”      

Yet, it is quite unfortunate that Satan do overpower some people and prevent them from remembrance of Allaah and other acts of worship during these good and merciful seasons with trivialities like how to spend the Eid nights, what to wear, passing the night in pastime and the day in sleep hence making them lose the reality of fasting and the blessing of Laylatul-Qadr (night of majesty).

Dear brethren, your Lord is throwing His doors of Mercy opened and is providing you with means to prosperity. Why then would some people be unheeding?! He is saying:

“O ‘Ibaadee (My slaves) who have transgressed against themselves (by committing evil deeds and sins)! Despair not of the mercy of Allaah, verily Allaah forgives all sins. Truly, He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. And turn in repentance and in obedience with true Faith (Islamic Monotheism) to your Lord and submit to Him (in Islam), before the torment comes upon you, then you will not be helped.” (Az-Zumar 39:53-54)      

Footnotes
[1] This verse is included by the translator for its direct connection to the topic.

Narrated Ibn 'Abbas: Allah's Apostle was the most generous of all the people, and he used to reach the peak in generosity in the month of ramadan when Gabriel met him. Gabriel used to meet him every night of ramadan to teach him the Qur'an. Allah's Apostle was the most generous person, even more generous than the strong uncontrollable wind (in readiness and haste to do charitable deeds). (Bukhari, 5)

The Muslim Creed
Publisher: The Daar of Islamic Heritage

Imams Al-Bukhari and Muslim reported that Ibn ‘Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, had said, “The Prophet (saws) was the most generous of people. He used to be the most generous in Ramadhan when he would meet with angel Jibreal and study the Quran with him. Angel Jibreal would meet with the Prophet every night in Ramadhan to teach him the Quran. The Prophet was so generous when he met with Jibreal, more generous than the wind that brings rain.” Imam Ahmad added to this narration, “And nothing he was asked for but he would give it.” Furthermore, Al-Bayhaqi reported that ‘Aaishah, may Allah be pleased with her, had said, “When Ramadhan would start, the Prophet would release all prisoners of war and fulfill the need of every person who would ask him for something.”

Generosity and giving are attributes that Allah likes for Muslims to have. Also, Allah is the most Generous and Giving of all. Indeed, Allah’s Generosity multiplies in Ramadhan. Similarly, the Prophet’s generosity increased in Ramadhan, and indeed he is the man whose personality entails all the attributes mankind seek and vie for.

This increased generosity of the Prophet in Ramadhan has several reasons and indications that we have to pay attention to, among them are:

1. Ramadhan is an honorable and blessed month, and the rewards for generosity are multiplied in it. The Prophet (saws) said,

“The best charity is that given in Ramadhan.” [At-Tirmithi].

2. This is a source of help and support, especially the ones fasting. To encourage this, the Prophet said,

“He who feeds a fasting person will gain the same reward as he will, without decreasing from the fasting person’s rewards.” [Ahmad].

The fasting person abandons food and drink in Ramadhan. Thus, when he gives others what he is craving for, this sacrifice would generate greater rewards, Allah willing.

3. Ramadhan is the month of giving and mercy, and in it Allah blesses the believers with forgiveness and being saved from Hellfire. Therefore, whoever is merciful and giving in Ramadhan, Allah will be even more Merciful and Giving, and will bestow upon him countless bounties and blessings.

4. Joining between fasting and giving charity leads to entering Paradise, by Allah’s Leave and Blessings. The Prophet said,

“In Paradise there are rooms that their inside can be seen from outside and outside can be seen from inside.” He was asked, “For whom are these rooms, O Messenger of Allah?” He said, “They are for he who soften his speech, feeds the people, continues to fast, and prays at night while the people are asleep.” [Ahmad].

All these acts take place in Ramadhan, for in it there are fasting, prayer at night, and charity. Also, the fasting person is sternly prohibited from evil and useless speech. Thus, performing all these deeds and attaining such unique bounties can be easily attained during Ramadhan by the fasting person.

5. Charity and fasting are a stronger and more effective barrier that will keep the person away from the Fire. As for fasting, the Prophet had said,

“Fasting is a shield and protection from Hellfire” [Ahmad].

He also said regarding charity, “Charity extinguishes the sin just as water extinguishes the fire. The man’s prayer late at night has the same effect.”

Source: www.missionislam.com

Narrated by Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased with him): Allah's Apostle said, "If one give in Charity what equals one date-fruit from the honestly-earned money and Allah accepts only the honestly earned money --Allah takes it in His right (hand) and then enlarges its reward for that person (who has given it), as anyone of you brings up his baby horse, so much that it becomes as big as a mountain." (Bukhari, 1329)

Narrated Haritha bin Wahb: I heard Allah's Apostle saying, "Give in charity because there will come a time on the people when a person will go out with his alms from place to place but will not find anybody to accept it." (Bukhari, 6663)