Renewal of the Heart and Soul

Phase 5 – Transformation: Becoming Who Allah Loves

Charity and Generosity of the Heart

We are now on the 28th day of Ramadhan. The last ten nights are well underway. Laylatul Qadr has been thoroughly sought for, though we continue to seek it in the remaining odd nights. The end of this blessed month is approaching, and with it, a natural question arises: What now? How do we keep our hearts renewed as the month winds down?

Today, we turn to an act of worship that is often overshadowed by prayer and fasting, but which is essential to the renewal of the heart. That act is charity. And not just giving money, but cultivating a generosity of the heart.

The Connection Between Giving and the Heart

There is a direct connection between what you give and the state of your heart. When you give, you loosen the grip of the dunya on your soul. You affirm that your provision comes from Allah, not from your hoarding. You soften the hardness that accumulates when you cling to wealth.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“مَا نَقَصَتْ صَدَقَةٌ مِنْ مَالٍ”

“Charity does not decrease wealth.” (Muslim)

Not only does it not decrease, but it actually purifies what remains. It removes the spiritual toxins that attach to wealth when we are stingy. Charity is a cleanser — for your wealth and for your heart.

The Heart That Gives Freely

A renewed heart is a generous heart. It gives freely, not because it has excess, but because it trusts the Provider. It knows that what it gives away is invested with Allah, not lost.

Allah describes the believers:

“وَيُؤْثِرُونَ عَلَىٰ أَنفُسِهِمْ وَلَوْ كَانَ بِهِمْ خَصَاصَةٌ”

“And they give preference over themselves, even though they are in need.” (Surah Al-Hashr, 59: 9)

This is the highest level of generosity — giving when you yourself need. This is the heart that has been purified from love of dunya. This is the heart that trusts Allah completely.

Charity in the Last Ten Nights

The Prophet ﷺ increased his charity in Ramadhan, and especially in the last ten nights. Ibn Abbas RA said:

“كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ أَجْوَدَ النَّاسِ، وَكَانَ أَجْوَدَ مَا يَكُونُ فِي رَمَضَانَ”

“The Messenger of Allah was the most generous of people, and he was most generous in Ramadhan.” (Bukhari & Muslim)

His generosity was not just with money. He gave his time, his attention, his care. He gave from his heart. And in these last days, his generosity peaked.

The Charity That Softens

There is a specific kind of charity that softens the heart: giving to those who cannot repay you. When you give to someone who will never know your name, who will never thank you, who can never return the favour — that is when your heart truly softens. That is when you give for Allah alone.

Allah says:

“إِنَّمَا نُطْعِمُكُمْ لِوَجْهِ اللَّهِ لَا نُرِيدُ مِنكُمْ جَزَاءً وَلَا شُكُورًا”

“We feed you only for the face of Allah. We wish for no reward nor thanks from you.” (Surah Al-Insan, 76:  9)

This is the purity of intention that charity cultivates. It trains the heart to seek Allah alone.

Giving When the Heart Is Hard

Sometimes we feel our hearts are hard. We feel distant from Allah. We feel no softness, no tears, no connection. In those moments, the scholars advise: give charity.

Charity softens the heart. It breaks the hold of the dunya. It reminds you of the needy, of the Day when you will stand needy before Allah. Give, even a little, and watch what it does to your heart.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“دَاوُوا مَرْضَاكُمْ بِالصَّدَقَةِ”

“Treat your sick ones with charity.” (Reported in various collections)

This includes spiritual sickness. If your heart is sick, treat it with giving.

What to Give

Charity is not only money. The Prophet ﷺ said:

“كُلُّ مَعْرُوفٍ صَدَقَةٌ”

“Every good deed is charity.” (Bukhari & Muslim)

• A smile is charity.
• A kind word is charity.
• Helping someone carry their groceries is charity.
• Listening to someone in distress is charity.
• Forgiving someone who wronged you is charity.

In these remaining days, increase your giving — of wealth, of time, of kindness, of love. Let generosity flow from your heart. It will soften you. It will renew you.

Your Remaining Days

You have a few nights left of Ramadhan. Do not let them pass without giving. Give secretly, so only Allah knows. Give openly, to inspire others. Give from what you love. Give until your heart feels the release.

And know that every act of generosity is polishing your heart, preparing it to meet its Lord.

May Allah make us among the generous and renew our hearts through giving. Ameen.