Ibadah / Acts of Worship

As the sun dips below the horizon and the day’s fast comes to an end, the air fills with the aroma of freshly cooked meals. It’s a moment of communal reflection and joy, a time when the bonds of faith and fellowship are strengthened through the simple act of sharing a meal. This is the essence of Ramadan, and at Our Islamic Charity, we’ve been honored to facilitate these moments of togetherness through your generous donations.

The Spirit of Giving in Ramadan

Ramadan is not just a month of fasting; it’s a period of deep spiritual reflection and heightened generosity. The act of fasting from dawn until sunset is a personal journey of worship, patience, and humility. But beyond the individual, Ramadan is about the community, about reaching out and lifting each other up. This is where the true spirit of giving shines through.

Your contributions have turned into steaming plates of nourishment for those in need. We’ve seen firsthand how a simple meal can bring smiles and hope. For many, these iftar meals are more than just food; they are a symbol of care and solidarity from the wider community.

From 500 to 1000: Doubling Our Impact

At the onset of Ramadan 2024, we set out with a mission to provide hot iftar meals to 500 fasting individuals daily. Thanks to your unwavering support, we’ve not only met this goal but have doubled our efforts, now serving 1000 hot meals every evening. This remarkable achievement speaks volumes about the compassion and empathy that flow within our community.

The kitchens buzz with activity as volunteers work tirelessly, translating your donations into delicious, nutritious meals. Each dish prepared is a testament to the collective will to do good, to ensure that no one is left hungry during this holy month.

Nourishing Bodies and Souls in the Slums

The impact of your donations reaches far into the slums, where the need is greatest. Here, amidst the humble dwellings, iftar becomes a beacon of hope. It’s not just about satiating hunger; it’s about nourishing the soul with kindness and the warmth of shared humanity.

As we distribute the meals, we witness the power of community. Children and elders alike gather, their faces lighting up at the sight of the food, a reminder that their struggles are not faced alone. Your donations have bridged the gap between abundance and need, creating a circle of giving that continues to grow.

Your generosity has been the cornerstone of our Ramadan iftar program. Each donation, big or small, has rippled through the community, bringing together people from all walks of life. As we continue this journey, we invite you to keep the spirit of Ramadan alive throughout the year. Let’s keep uniting hearts and hands in service, for the betterment of all.

Together, we can continue to make a difference, one iftar at a time. Thank you for being a part of this noble cause. May the blessings of Ramadan be upon you and your loved ones.

Ibadah / Acts of WorshipProjectsReportWhat We Do

In today’s digital age, new frontiers of innovation continue shaping both industry and ideals of goodwill. Taking inspiration from such progressive spirits, one sacred sanctuary is embracing cryptocurrency to empower faith-driven philanthropy for generations to come.

The Holy Shrine of Lady Fatima Masouma (a.s.) in Qom, Iran—honoring Bibi Masooma, sister of Imam Ridha (a.s.)—now proudly accepts donations via Bitcoin, Ethereum and Litecoin through its redesigned donation portal at donate.amfm.ir. This launch happened recently in the new year of 2024, which was very happy.

Cryptocurrency: A Secure Solution for the Synergy of Science and Spirituality

This pioneering step forward marries centuries of spiritual heritage with cutting-edge technology. Through cryptocurrency, devotees worldwide can express prayers of devotion or contributions of thanks in a safe, transparent format optimizing both accessibility and assurance. Advanced networks ensure donations reach their intent untampered, while independent blockchains offer public proof of each faithful transaction.

For the Modern Pilgrim: New Ways to Strengthen Faith

For today’s global ummah, distance or infirmity can no longer deny presence of heart. Now even remote remembrance finds root through click-supported charity. Whether fulfilling past prayers or simply uplifting Lady Masooma’s hallowed sphere of grace, virtual vigils revive ancient vessels of closeness in uniquely modern fashion.

A Bright Future Ushered In
Through channels attuned to modern modes of movement and markets, new rivers of giving flow to agriculture improving lives, outreach expanding minds and building preserving blessed blessings. Step by saving step, divine determination powers progress preserving sanctuaries as luminous beacons for all seeking answers through altruism.

A Standard Raised: Leading by Benevolent Example

In opening cryptodonations, Masooma’s sacred sanctuary exemplifies faith forward. Coins collected converting caring to concrete care speak volumes of virtue valuing validity over various vectors. For charitable challenges changing with changing challenges, compassion county continues pioneering with prayerful precision.

Promising Prospects through Prayerful Partnership

With patronage proving cryptocurrency’s compassionate cause, hopes heighten of harvesting humanity’s higher hopes. When holy havens handle cutting-edge contributions, curious crowds join justified journeys. As goodwill forges frontiers freely, futures flourish favoring fellow feelings and fortified faith built on brotherhood beyond borders.

Through its innovative initiative, Masooma’s sacred sanctuary inspires elevated excellence everywhere. Cryptocurrency donations empower enduring philanthropy, merging science and spirituality to strengthen sanctuary and ummah alike for ages ahead through the enlightened energies of esteem, empathy and endowed effort. May illuminated intuitions impact increasing integrity in all inshallah!

CryptocurrencyIbadah / Acts of WorshipImams of Athar

The shrine of Imams is a sacred place where the holy bodies of some of the infallible Imams are buried. These Imams are the descendants of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and the leaders of the Shia Muslims. They are Imam Ali (AS), Imam Husayn (AS), Imam Ali al-Rida (AS), and Fatimah bint Musa (AS), also known as Masumeh. The shrine of Imams is located in different cities in Iraq and Iran, such as Najaf, Karbala, Mashhad, and Qom. Millions of pilgrims visit the shrine of Imams every year to pay their respects, seek their intercession, and receive their blessings.

However, not everyone can afford to travel to the shrine of Imams physically, especially in these difficult times of pandemic and crisis. Therefore, some people may wish to donate crypto for the shrine of Imams instead, which is a way of donating money to support the maintenance and development of the shrine, as well as to help the poor and needy who live near the shrine. Paying crypto for the shrine of Imams is also a way of performing Sadaqah Jariyah, or ongoing charity, that benefits both the giver and the receiver in this life and the hereafter.

In this article, we will explain how to donate crypto for the shrine of Imams, based on your intentions and type of payment. 2,278 crypto dollars were paid for the shrine of Imams until October 31, 2023. We will also explain what are the benefits and rewards of paying crypto for the shrine of Imams.

How to Donate Crypto for the Shrine of Imams?

Crypto is short for cryptocurrency, which is a digital form of money that can be created, stored, and transferred using cryptography and blockchain technology. Crypto has many advantages over fiat money or bank transfers, such as speed, low cost, transparency, security, privacy, and empowerment. You can donate crypto for the shrine of Imams by following these steps:

  • You can do it through Donate for Holy Shrines with Cryptocurrency. At the moment that I am talking to you, the last donation of a user to the shrine of Imam Hossein with the intention of Perfume and Flowers was 5 dollars.
  • You can choose any of the imams with any intention you have: intentions include Blessings, Inside the Shrine(Zarih), Food for Visitors, Development and Maintenance, Carpet for Holy Shrine, Quranic and Cultural Activities, Perfume and Flowers, The Inner It is Intention (in my heart).
  • Choose the amount and type of crypto that you want to pay. You can pay any amount or type of crypto that you have in your crypto wallet or exchange account. You can also convert your fiat money or other assets into crypto using various platforms or services.
  • Make an intention in your heart that you are paying for the sake of Allah (SWT) and for the benefit of the Imams. You can also specify which Imam you want to pay for, or pay for all of them equally. You can also say a dua or supplication for the Imams after making the payment.
  • Send your crypto payment to the charity’s crypto wallet address or QR code that they provide on their website or platform.
  • Receive a confirmation and receipt from the charity that they have received your payment. You can also track and verify your transaction on the blockchain, which is a public and immutable ledger that records all crypto transactions.
  • Share your payment with your family and friends and encourage them to pay as well. You can also share your payment on social media or other platforms and spread the word about the cause or organization that you have supported.

What are the Benefits and Rewards of Paying Crypto for the Shrine of Imams?

Paying crypto for the shrine of Imams has many benefits and rewards for both you and the Imams. Here are some of them:

  • You will receive the reward and blessing of Allah (SWT) for your payment, which will be multiplied by Him according to His will and wisdom.
  • You will receive the reward and blessing of the Imams for your payment, who will intercede for you on the Day of Judgment and ask Allah (SWT) to forgive you and have mercy on you. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “My intercession is for those who love my family.” (Al-Tirmidhi)
  • You will receive the reward and blessing of the people who benefit from your payment, who will thank you and make dua for you and the Imams. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “The best charity is that which is given in secret, so that the left hand does not know what the right hand gives.” (Al-Bukhari)
  • You will receive the reward and blessing of using crypto for your payment, which is an innovative and empowering way of supporting charitable causes and organizations. Crypto can help you pay faster, cheaper, more transparently, more securely, more privately, and more effectively than other methods.

We hope that this article has helped you understand how to pay crypto for the shrine of Imams until October 31, 2023, based on your intentions and type of payment. We also hope that this article has inspired you to pay crypto for the shrine of Imams with sincerity and generosity, and to seek blessings from Allah (SWT) and the Imams. May Allah (SWT) accept your payment, forgive your sins, have mercy on you and the Imams, and grant you all Jannah.

 

Ibadah / Acts of WorshipImams of AtharReport

Fidya is a term that means compensation or ransom in Arabic. It is a form of charity that a Muslim pays when they miss or break a fast in Ramadan without a valid reason. Fidya is a way of making up for the missed fast and fulfilling the religious obligation of fasting.

Fasting in Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, which are the basic acts of worship that every Muslim should perform. Fasting in Ramadan means abstaining from food, drink, and sexual activity from dawn to sunset for 29 or 30 days. Fasting in Ramadan has many benefits, such as:

  • Strengthening one’s faith and devotion to Allah (SWT)
  • Developing self-control and discipline
  • Purifying one’s body and soul
  • Experiencing hunger and thirst and empathizing with the poor and needy
  • Seeking forgiveness and mercy from Allah (SWT)
  • Increasing one’s good deeds and rewards

However, not everyone can fast in Ramadan due to various reasons, such as:

  • Illness or injury that prevents one from fasting or makes fasting harmful
  • Old age or weakness that makes fasting difficult or impossible
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding that requires one to nourish oneself and the baby
  • Traveling or working in conditions that make fasting impractical or unbearable
  • Menstruation or postnatal bleeding that exempts one from fasting

In these cases, Allah (SWT) has given some concessions and alternatives to fasting, such as:

  • Making up the missed fasts later when one is able to do so
  • Paying fidya for each missed fast if one cannot make up the fasts later
  • Paying kaffarah for each broken fast if one deliberately breaks a fast without a valid reason

In this article, we will focus on fidya, which is the compensation for missed fasts that cannot be made up later. We will explain what fidya is, why it is important, how much it is, how to pay it, and who can receive it.

What is fidya?

Fidya is a form of sadaqah(charity) that a Muslim pays to feed a poor person for every day of fasting that they miss and cannot make up later. Fidya is an option for those who are unable to fast due to illness, old age, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or any other reason that prevents them from making up the fasts later. Fidya is mentioned in the Quran as follows:

“Fasting is for a fixed number of days, and if one of you be sick, or if one of you be on a journey, you will fast the same number of other days later on. For those who are capable of fasting (but still do not fast) there is a redemption: feeding a needy man for each day missed. Whoever voluntarily does more good than is required, will find it better for him; and that you should fast is better for you, if you only know.” (Quran 2:184)

Fidya is not only a way of compensating for the missed fasts, but also a way of expressing gratitude to Allah (SWT) for His blessings and mercy, and seeking His forgiveness and acceptance.

Why is fidya important?

Fidya is important because it helps one to fulfill their religious duty of fasting in Ramadan, even if they cannot fast physically. Fidya also helps one to share their wealth and generosity with the poor and needy, who are more deserving of it. Fidya also helps one to earn rewards and blessings from Allah (SWT), who loves those who give charity.

How much is fidya?

The amount of fidya varies according to the local cost of living and the average meal price. However, it is usually around $5 per missed fast in the Europe and US. This amount should provide one person with two meals or two people with one meal. However, if someone misses all the fasts of Ramadan, they would need to pay $150.

How to pay fidya?

Fidya can be paid in the form of food or money, depending on the situation and the availability of resources. Fidya can be paid before or during Ramadan, but preferably before Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan. Fidya can be paid online through various Islamic charity websites or offline through local mosques or Islamic organizations. You can also make the payment here.

Who can receive fidya?

Fidya is to be given only to the poor and needy, not to everyone. Scholars consider fidya to be like zakat, which is another form of obligatory charity that every Muslim pays annually. Therefore, those who are entitled to receive fidya are regarded as being among those who are entitled to receive zakat. These include:

  • The poor, who do not have enough income or assets to meet their basic needs
  • The needy, who have some income or assets, but not enough to meet their essential needs
  • The debtors, who are in debt and cannot pay it off
  • The wayfarers, who are travelers or refugees who are stranded or in need of assistance
  • The converts, who are new to Islam and need support and guidance
  • The workers, who are employed to collect and distribute fidya or zakat
  • The cause of Allah (SWT), which includes any righteous or charitable cause that benefits the Muslim community or humanity at large
  • The captives, who are prisoners of war or enslaved and need ransom or liberation

We hope this article has helped you understand what fidya is and how to pay it. Fidya is a great way of fulfilling your religious obligation of fasting in Ramadan, even if you cannot fast physically. Fidya is also a great way of helping the poor and needy, who are more deserving of your charity. Fidya is also a great way of earning rewards and blessings from Allah (SWT), who loves those who give charity.

May Allah (SWT) accept your fidya and your fasting, and grant you a blessed and peaceful Ramadan. Ameen.

Ibadah / Acts of WorshipReligion

Qurbani and Aqiqah are two important Islamic rituals that involve the sacrifice of animals for the sake of Allah (SWT). Both of them have many benefits and rewards for the Muslims who perform them and the people who receive them. However, they also have some differences and similarities that you should know. In this article, we will explain what Qurbani and Aqiqah are, why they are performed, how they are performed, and what are their differences and similarities.

What is Qurbani?

Qurbani is the act of sacrificing an animal during the days of Eid al-Adha, which is the 10th, 11th, or 12th of Dhul-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar. Qurbani is an obligatory duty for every Muslim who has reached puberty and has enough wealth to afford it. Qurbani is a way of following the example of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) who was willing to sacrifice his son Ismail (AS) for the sake of Allah (SWT), but Allah (SWT) replaced him with a ram. Qurbani is also a way of expressing gratitude to Allah (SWT) for His blessings and mercy.

What is Aqiqah?

Aqiqah is the act of sacrificing an animal on the occasion of a child’s birth. It is a recommended sunnah for every Muslim who can afford it. Aqiqah should be performed on the seventh day after the birth of the child, or as soon as possible after that. Aqiqah is a way of celebrating the birth of a child and giving thanks to Allah (SWT) for His gift. Aqiqah is also a way of protecting the child from harm and evil.

Why Perform Qurbani and Aqiqah?

Qurbani and Aqiqah have many benefits and rewards for both the performers and the recipients. Here are some of them:

  • Qurbani and Aqiqah are acts of worship that bring one closer to Allah (SWT) and earn His pleasure and forgiveness.
  • Qurbani and Aqiqah are acts of charity that help feed the poor and needy and share the joy with them.
  • Qurbani and Aqiqah are acts of obedience that follow the sunnah of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and show love and devotion to them.
  • Qurbani and Aqiqah are acts of purification that cleanse one from sins and faults.
  • Qurbani and Aqiqah are acts of solidarity that strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and unity among Muslims.

How to Perform Qurbani and Aqiqah?

Qurbani and Aqiqah have some rules and guidelines that should be followed to ensure their validity and acceptance. Here are some of them:

  • The animals that can be sacrificed for Qurbani and Aqiqah are sheep, goats, cows, camels, or buffaloes. The animals should be healthy, free from defects, and have reached a certain age. For sheep and goats, the minimum age is one year; for cows, buffaloes, and camels, the minimum age is two years.
  • The number of animals that should be sacrificed for Qurbani depends on the type of animal. For sheep and goats, one animal suffices for one person or one family; for cows, buffaloes, and camels, one animal suffices for seven people or seven families.
  • The number of animals that should be sacrificed for Aqiqah depends on the gender of the child. For a boy, two animals should be sacrificed; for a girl, one animal should be sacrificed.
  • The time of sacrifice for Qurbani is from after the Eid prayer on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah until before sunset on the 12th of Dhul-Hijjah. The time of sacrifice for Aqiqah is preferably on the seventh day after the birth of the child, or any day after that.
  • The intention of sacrifice for Qurbani should be to seek Allah’s (SWT) pleasure and reward; the intention of sacrifice for Aqiqah should be to give thanks to Allah (SWT) for His gift and to protect the child from harm.
  • The method of sacrifice for Qurbani and Aqiqah should be according to Islamic law, which requires slaughtering the animal by cutting its throat with a sharp knife in a swift manner while saying “Bismillah Allahu Akbar” (In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest).
  • The distribution of the meat for Qurbani and Aqiqah should be done in a fair and generous manner. The meat should be divided into three parts: one for oneself and one’s family, one for relatives and friends, and one for the poor and needy. Alternatively, the meat can be given entirely to the poor and needy.

What are the Differences and Similarities Between Qurbani and Aqiqah?

Qurbani and Aqiqah have some differences and similarities that can be summarized as follows:

  • Qurbani is obligatory for every Muslim who has reached puberty and has enough wealth to afford it; Aqiqah is recommended for every Muslim who can afford it.
  • Qurbani is performed during the days of Eid al-Adha; Aqiqah is performed on the occasion of a child’s birth.
  • Qurbani is a way of following the example of Prophet Ibrahim (AS); Aqiqah is a way of celebrating the birth of a child.
  • Qurbani requires one animal for one person or one family; Aqiqah requires two animals for a boy and one animal for a girl.
  •  Qurbani and Aqiqah both involve the sacrifice of animals for the sake of Allah (SWT).
  • Qurbani and Aqiqah both have benefits and rewards for the performers and the recipients.
  • Qurbani and Aqiqah both have rules and guidelines that should be followed to ensure their validity and acceptance.

We hope that this article has helped you understand what Qurbani and Aqiqah are, why they are performed, how they are performed, and what are their differences and similarities. We also hope that this article has inspired you to perform Qurbani and Aqiqah with sincerity and generosity, and to share the joy with your brothers and sisters in Islam. May Allah (SWT) accept your Qurbani and Aqiqah, and bless you with His mercy and grace. Ameen.

 

Ibadah / Acts of WorshipReligionWhat We Do