The Intersection of Generosity, Ramadan, and Zakat
Blog written by Stephanie Williams and originally published by the Lake Institute on Faith & Giving at Indiana University.
The generosity of Ramadan extends beyond caring for the poor and those in need. The Muslim holy month strengthens community unity, belonging, and shared responsibility. This same spirit of generosity shapes my education as a Master’s student at the IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and inspires my work in the interfaith environmental movement, where giving is about care: care for creation, community, and the pursuit of justice that binds us all together.
I came to this work through the sacred call to care for the environment—a call Muslims share with our fellow Abrahamic faith traditions, beginning with the commandment God gave to Adam to be a steward of the Earth. As it is written in the Bible, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it” (Genesis 2:15). Similarly, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught, “The Earth is green and beautiful, and Allah has appointed you stewards over it” (Sahih Muslim). This divine charge also recognizes that environmental justice is social justice.
Caring for creation is inseparable from the duty to uplift the poor. Caring for the natural environment fosters a just and interconnected world where all living beings can thrive. Just as zakat is intended to support the most vulnerable and strengthen community bonds, environmental stewardship is an act of generosity that sustains both people and the planet. At its core, being in the right relationship—with one another and with the whole of the sacred Earth—cultivates peace within individuals, communities, and society.
Ramadan reminds us that giving transforms not only those who receive but also those who give.
In interfaith work, I have seen how shared purpose brings people together, deepening understanding and strengthening communities. The sacred call to give—whether through zakat, environmental stewardship, or standing for peace and justice—is ultimately a call to solidarity, recognizing our shared humanity, and building a world where all living things can thrive.
If you’d like to learn more about how your masjid or congregation can engage in environmental stewardship, consider Registering a Green Team with Georgia Interfaith Power & Light. Together, we can cultivate a more just and sustainable world. To support our work, visit gipl.org/give.
