Charity in Islam is greatly highlighted through the Holy Quran and Hadiths. At different places, it is visible that Allah (SWT) declared a “gradient of wealth” such as finances, material elements, health, appearance, intelligence through which one could share and help the needy people.
As stated in the Holy Quran:
For those who believe in the existence of the unseen, and perform the prayers, and spend out of what We have provided for them.
(Quran 2:3)
Every aspect of life is taught by Allah and charity in Islam is one of the significant topics to learn. In the Quranic verses, Almighty Allah asks believers to regularly share a defined part of the wealth to the people who are needy. The aspect of charity is also highlighted with the Arabic word “Zakat” which means to self-purify our soul.
In the Holy book, it is declared that a rich person or the ones who are eligible to pay charity should self purify their souls by helping the poor. This charity of money (Zakat Al mal) is compulsory for the people who earn a defined amount or over it.
The amount of charity is defined as fixed at 2.5% of a Muslim’s total savings and wealth above a minimum amount (nisab) should be donated annually.
Importance of charity in the Holy Quran
Islam is all about blessings and at different places, Almighty Allah mentions the sources to self purify our souls through good deeds and by passing what we have either our manners or money to others.
Verse 1:
..And do good as Allah has been good to you..
(Quran 28:77)
Verse 2:
They ask you (O Muhammad) what they should spend. Say: Whatever you spend of good must be for parents and kindred and orphans and the needy and for wayfarers, and whatever you do of good deeds, Allah knows it well.
(Quran 2:215)
In the above verse, it is described that charity in Islam is not just about money or financial aspects but one can take part in charity by doing acts of kindness to relatives, neighbors, and friends and giving time to the needy ones who are unwell. We can give our time to spread joys and pleasures in their life in any way.
Charity through attitude
Being kind and compassionate towards people is itself a good deed and rewarded at most on the scale of deeds.
Worship God and join none with Him in worship, and do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, the needy, the neighbor who is near of kin, the neighbor who is a stranger, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (you meet) and those whom your right hands possess. Verily, Allah does not like such as are proud and boastful. (Quran 4:36)
Charity in Islam in the light of Hadiths
In this topic, Prophet Mohamed (PBUH) teaches us that we can help people in many ways as he said:
“Charity is prescribed for each descendant of Adam every day the sun rises”. He was then asked: “From what do we give charity every day?” The Prophet replied “The doors of goodness are many: enjoining good, forbidding evil, removing harm from the road, listening to the deaf, leading the blind, guiding one to the object of his need, hurrying with the strength of one’s legs to one in sorrow who is asking for help, and supporting the feeble with the strength of one’s arms. All of these are charity prescribed for you”. He then said: “Even your smile for your brother is a charity”. [Bukhari]
Moreover, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said to play a part in protecting nature and animals like planting trees, feeding and caring for animals. These are the deeds rewarded by Almighty Allah and counted as Sadqah Jariyah.
For instance, regarding the reward of planting trees, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said:
“If a Muslim plants a tree or sows seeds, and then a bird, or a person or an animal eats from it, it is regarded as a charitable gift (sadaqah) for him”.
To care and protect animals, he told this story: “A man felt very thirsty while he was on the way, there he came across a well. He went down the well, quenched his thirst and came out. Meanwhile he saw a dog panting and licking mud because of excessive thirst. He said to himself, ‘This dog is suffering from thirst as I did.’ So, he went down the well again, filled his shoe with water, held it with his mouth, and watered the dog. Allah appreciated him for that deed and forgave him”. The Companions said: “O Messenger of Allah! Is there a reward for us in serving the animals?” He replied: “There is a reward for serving any living being”. [Bukhari]
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was sent as a greatest mercy to the whole mankind and he guided whole ummah really well to spend our lives righteously.
Holy Quran mentions:
And We have sent you forth [O Muhammad] not but as a mercy for mankind and jinn.
(Quran 21:107)
It is stated that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is a divine gift of mercy for the whole of mankind until the Day of Judgment. For passing the love and compassion, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said :
“All creatures of Allah are His family, therefore, amongst His creations, God likes the person who treats His creatures in a good manner and takes care of their necessities”.
In few words
It is all apparent from the above verses and Hadiths that charity in Islam is greatly rewarded by Almighty Allah either it is any mode. No deed gets wasted if performed from the heart. So do your best to pour your efforts to humanity.
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