Imam al-Sadiq’s Act of Kindness in Ramadan

During the blessed month of Ramadan, the streets of Medina were filled with the delightful scent of dates, freshly baked bread, and the aroma of cooked meals as families prepared for Iftar. Among them was Imam Ja‘far al-Sadiq (AS), the sixth Imam of the Ahlul Bayt, who was not only renowned for his vast knowledge and wisdom but also for his extraordinary generosity and deep compassion for those in need.

One particular night, after a long day of teaching and guiding his students in various Islamic sciences, Imam al-Sadiq (AS) quietly left his home. It was a dark, moonless night, and the streets of Medina were nearly empty, save for a few stray dogs and the occasional passerby. Imam al-Sadiq (AS) was carrying a sack of food on his back, his steps measured and purposeful. His students often noticed that the Imam would disappear into the night after his teaching sessions, but out of his profound humility, he never revealed his secret actions or intentions.

As he walked through the quiet alleys, he passed by a poor man sitting despondently outside his humble home. The man’s face showed the weariness of hunger, and his eyes were cast downward in exhaustion. He had been fasting all day, like many others in Medina, but his poverty left him with nothing to break his fast with except a small, hard piece of dry bread. His stomach growled as he closed his eyes and began to pray, seeking solace in his faith.

It was then that the poor man felt a warm, comforting touch on his shoulder. Startled, he opened his eyes to see a figure placing a plate of food before him—fresh bread, succulent dates, and a jug of cool, refreshing water. The man gazed up, surprised and grateful, but the mysterious figure, in his quiet and gentle voice, whispered, “Eat, and pray for the one who has sent this to you.”

Before the man could thank him, the figure had disappeared into the night as quietly as he had come.

Night after night, similar acts of kindness took place across Medina, as the poorest families found food left at their doorsteps. This continued throughout the entire month of Ramadan, with no one knowing the true identity of their benefactor. It wasn’t until after Imam al-Sadiq (AS) passed away that the people of Medina discovered the truth. When his body was prepared for burial, the marks on his back—deep indentations from carrying heavy sacks of food—became visible.

His students, deeply moved by this revelation, recalled his teachings and the wisdom he had imparted to them. They remembered one of his sayings: “The best of people is the one who benefits others the most.”

In a month dedicated to fasting, prayer, and worship, Imam al-Sadiq (AS) taught the true meaning of devotion. It was not merely in the acts of worship and prayer, but in the selfless service to humanity and the upliftment of those in need. His actions in Ramadan serve as an eternal lesson—a reminder that kindness and generosity toward others are among the highest forms of worship. His legacy continues to inspire us all to give selflessly, to help those in need, and to embody the true spirit of Ramadan.

The Three Days of Hunger

It was the month of Ramadan in Medina, and the air was filled with the fragrance of freshly baked bread from the humble home of Imam Ali (a) and Sayyida Fatima (a). As the golden light of sunset signaled the time to break their fast, Imam Hasan (a) and Imam Hussain (a) eagerly sat down, their small hands reaching for the food they had longed for all day. The hunger they had felt since dawn made the meal even more precious.

Just as they were about to take their first bite, a faint knock echoed from the door. Sayyida Fatima (a) immediately rose and went to answer it. A poor beggar stood before her; his eyes full of desperation.

“O family of the Prophet,” he pleaded, “I am starving and have nothing to eat. Can you spare me some food?”

Imam Ali (a) looked at his family and smiled gently. Without hesitation, he motioned for his family to give everything they had. One by one, they handed their bread over to the beggar, leaving themselves with nothing but water. Despite their own hunger, they felt compassion for the man’s suffering.

That night, the family went to bed hungry, but their hearts were filled with contentment in their sacrifice for the sake of Allah.

The next day, they fasted again. As the sun set, signalling the time to break their fast, another knock came at the door. This time, it was an orphan, shivering from hunger. Sayyida Fatima (a) opened the door, and once again, the family gave up their food, placing their last meal in the hands of the orphan. They chose to remain hungry rather than turn someone away.

On the third night, after fasting throughout the day, the family prepared to eat, but another figure appeared at the door—a prisoner, frail and exhausted from captivity. His plea for food was met with the same selflessness. Imam Ali (a), Sayyida Fatima (a), Imam Hasan (a), and Imam Hussain (a) shared their remaining food with the prisoner, leaving nothing for themselves.

For three days, this noble family went without food, choosing sacrifice and compassion for others over their own comfort. Their devotion to Allah and care for others, even in their time of need, was a profound act of faith.

Allah, pleased with their selflessness, revealed Surah Al-Insan (76:8-9):

“They give food, despite their love for it, to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, (saying) ‘We feed you for the sake of Allah alone; we desire neither reward nor thanks from you.’”

On the fourth day, as their hunger became unbearable, Allah sent them heavenly sustenance as a divine reward. Their story became an eternal lesson: true fasting is not just abstaining from food, but practicing selflessness, compassion, and putting others before our own desires. The family of the Prophet’s example continues to inspire all who seek to live a life of generosity and humility.