Blog
Rabi' al-Awwal
A Month of Mercy, A Call to Charity
Rabi' al-Awwal is the month the world received its greatest gift the birth of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, the one described by Allah as "a mercy to the worlds" (al-Anbiyā 21:107).
Charity: A Core of the Prophetic Example
From his earliest days, the Prophet ﷺ gave to those in need. Whether it was feeding the hungry, caring for the orphan, or helping the stranger, he lived in service to others.
He taught:
"The most beloved of people to Allah are those who are most beneficial to people." (al-Ṭabarānī)
For him, charity was never seasonal. It wasn't only for Ramadan or special occasions - it was a daily habit, a way of life.
When a man came to the Prophet ﷺ with nothing but a simple water container to sell for food, the Prophet ﷺ helped auction it to raise money - half to buy food for his family, and half to buy an axe so he could work and provide for himself. (Abu Dawud)
Another time, when a hungry guest arrived and the Prophet ﷺ's own home had no food, he asked the companions who would host him. Abu Talhah (RA) and his wife took the guest in, dimmed their lamp, and pretended to eat so the guest could eat in comfort. Allah revealed His pleasure with this act. (Sahih al-Bukhari)
These moments remind us: charity is not just about giving money. It's about making space for others, sacrificing comfort, and giving dignity.
This blessed month isn't just for storytelling - it's for action.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"Every act of goodness is charity." (Sahih Muslim)
That means:
Rabi' al-Awwal gives us the perfect opportunity to build new habits of generosity that last the whole year.
Around the world today, millions face hunger, poverty, displacement, and hardship. Giving charity now can mean:
When we give, we don't just help someone survive the day - we can help them stand on their feet for years to come. That's the kind of mercy the Prophet ﷺ taught us.
In this Rabi' al-Awwal, let's honor the Prophet ﷺ by bringing his mercy to life:
Every act of charity is a chance to walk in his footsteps and to bring mercy to the world, just as he did.
Give in the month of mercy and be a source of mercy for others.