Ramadan is a holy month celebrated by the world’s 1.8 billion Muslims. From dawn to dusk, Muslims fast while focusing on prayer, self-examination and charitable giving.
The occasion is often an opportunity to support others by donating to charity and finding ways to help those in need.
Each year, Australians are donating their Zakat to local and overseas charities to give to those less fortunate during the sacred month.
Looking for Ramadan charity ideas? Get inspired.
At sunset during the month of Ramadan, Muslims break their fast for Iftar – the evening meal. One of the most popular Ramadan charity ideas is to host an Iftar with your friends and family while asking everyone to give a small donation.
To celebrate all coming together, you could even ask everyone to bring their favourite dish to share. By the end of the evening, you will have made meaningful memories while supporting a cause close to your heart.
While running a race, cycling a long-distance or undertaking a tough physical challenge, does not bode well during a food fast, there are other ways to challenge yourself for charity. From shaving your hair, donating your artistic talents, hosting a bake-off and more!
During the COVID lockdown Moustapha’s family wasn’t able to gather together for their usual Ramadan fundraising efforts. Instead, he raised $6,000 in the month of April by shaving his beard at Eid for a good cause.
Get creative and see what challenge you could take on for a charitable cause during Ramadan.
If you aren’t participating in Ramadan, consider supporting a friend who is with a sponsored fast. Put any donations towards their Ramadan fundraiser or start your own.
If fasting isn’t doable for you, pledge to give something else up during Ramadan instead, such as coffee or takeaways. Encourage others to join you in giving something up and ask that they donate to your fundraiser.
To further help those in need, you could donate your time during the month to help local organisations. While Ramadan is an opportunity for self-reflection, volunteering your energy, time and skill is another way to give back to your local community.
Getting involved by helping cook meals at homeless shelters, caring for animals at adoption centres and supporting the elderly in aged care homes are all ways to make worthwhile contributions.
Encourage your friends, family and community to join you in supporting a cause close to your heart during Ramadan with an online fundraiser.
Together you can collectively see how much has been raised for the charity of your choice and share messages of support. To spread your fundraising efforts far and wide, you can easily share the fundraising link across your social media network.
Successful GoFundMe Ramadan campaigns include the Monash University Islamic Society which teamed up with the Australian Peace Organisation to deliver meals to those in need across Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Get started on your Ramadan 2021 fundraising efforts before Monday 12 April.
To celebrate the end of Ramadan on 12 May, donate your Zakat al-Fitr before the Eid al-Fitr prayers and festivities begin.