Challenges Faced by American Muslims in Donating to Charitable Causes During Ramadan

An opinion piece from Al Jazeera that highlights the challenges faced by American Muslims who want to donate to charitable causes during Ramadan, the month of fasting, prayer and devotional giving. According to the Quran and Sunnah, charity is a very important and rewarding act of worship that purifies the wealth and the soul of the giver. Allah has made charity (Zakaat) an obligation on every believing Muslim. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was the most generous of all people, especially in Ramadan. He also said that charity never decreases one's wealth, but rather increases it. Charity is also a way of expressing gratitude to Allah for His blessings and mercy. Allah promises a noble reward and a multiplied increase for those who spend in His cause. Therefore, Muslims should not let any obstacles or difficulties prevent them from fulfilling this duty and attaining its benefits. They should also be humble and discreet about their charity, and not harm or embarrass the recipients.

The opinion piece from Al Jazeera describes the discrimination and injustice that some American Muslims face when they try to use banking services for their crowdfunding platform, LaunchGood. The platform has been kicked off by three different payment processors without any valid reason or warning. The opinion implies that this is due to anti-Muslim bias and prejudice. Muslims are more likely than other faith groups to face difficulties with personal, business, and nonprofit accounts, especially when sending or receiving money internationally or to unfamiliar people. 

From the perspective of the Quran and Sunnah, justice is a divine command and a duty for all believers. The Quran and Sunnah teach us to be upright, fair, and truthful in all our dealings, and to stand up for what is right even if it goes against ourselves or our relatives. The Quran and Sunnah also warn us against oppression, injustice, and discrimination, and remind us that Allah is aware of all that we do and will reward or punish us accordingly.

وَٱلسَّمَآءَ رَفَعَهَا وَوَضَعَ ٱلْمِيزَانَ

أَلَّا تَطْغَوْا۟ فِى ٱلْمِيزَانِ

وَأَقِيمُوا۟ ٱلْوَزْنَ بِٱلْقِسْطِ وَلَا تُخْسِرُوا۟ ٱلْمِيزَانَ

“And the heaven He raised and imposed the balance. That you not transgress the balance. And establish weight in justice and do not make deficient the balance.” (Quran 55:7-9)