The Prophet used to increase acts of charity and goodness in the month of Ramadan. This spirit of helping others is aroused during fasting, because one understands the difficulties faced by those who do not have food or water. By abstaining from food and water, one puts oneself in the situation of those who remain hungry and thirsty because they do not have the means to provide themselves with food and water. This is why during Ramadan the Prophet increased manifold his acts of benevolence. While fasting, one goes through what those who are poor and in want go through. This realization inspires one to help others more and more, which is called marhama (compassion) in the Quran. Thus, fasting develops in us the spirit of philanthropy.
