Giving or Charity is a fundamental aspect of Islamic teachings, and is considered one of the most important virtues in Islam. The Quran and Hadith emphasise the importance of generosity, and provide guidance on how to cultivate this noble attribute to become a pious Muslim.
In Islam, giving is not just a moral obligation, but also a means of spiritual growth and self-purification. The Quran states, “You will not attain righteousness until you spend from what you love.” (Quran 3:92) This verse highlights the importance of giving from one’s own wealth, and sacrificing something precious for the sake of the pleasure of Allah the Exalted.
Islam encourages giving in different ways like:
Zakat: Obligatory charity, which is a fixed percentage of one’s wealth given to the poor and needy. As Allah commands: “Indeed, those who believe, do good, establish prayer, and pay Zakat will receive their reward from their Lord, and there will be no fear for them, nor will they grieve.” (Quran 2:277)
Sadaqah: Voluntary charity, which can be given to anyone in need and is the most encouraged one. As Allah says: “O you who have believed, spend from that which We have provided for you before there comes a Day in which there is no exchange and no friendship and no intercession. And the disbelievers – they are the wrongdoers.” (Quran 2: 254)
Qardh Hasan: Interest-free loans given to those who are struggling financially. As mentioned in the Quran “If it is difficult for someone to repay a debt, postpone it until a time of ease. And if you waive it as an act of charity, it will be better for you, if only you knew” (Quran 2: 280).
Waqf: Endowments or charitable trusts established for the benefit of the community.The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “The upper hand is better than the lower hand.” This means that it is better to give than to receive.
While giving, it is better to keep it secret. As Allah the Almighty commands, “To give charity publicly is good, but to give to the poor privately is better for you” (Quran 2: 271).
Avoid publicising one’s charitable deeds to avoid pride and self-boosting. One has to humble himself/herself and give cheerfully only for the sake of Allah (swt) and to please him, without any hidden agenda. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) taught that giving should be done with humility, kindness, and respect.
The Quran also says, “And the example of those who donate their wealth, seeking Allah’s pleasure and believing the reward is certain, is that of a garden on a fertile hill: when heavy rain falls, it yields up twice its normal produce. If no heavy rain falls, a drizzle is sufficient. And Allah is All-Seeing of what you do” (Quran 2:265).
While giving its utmost important to avoid the things which are not in good condition or unacceptable but should choose those which one would have selected for himself/herself. As Quran states “ O believers! Donate from the best of what you have earned and of what We have produced for you from the earth. Do not pick out worthless things for donation, which you yourselves would only accept with closed eyes. And know that Allah is Self-Sufficient, Praiseworthy”(Quran 2:267).
Another aspect is to identify the needy, as in many times dignified individuals though in need do not express and struggle. One has to recognize such people and prioritize giving to the most deserving. As Allah the Almighty points out, “Charity is for the needy who are too engaged in the cause of Allah to move about in the land for work. Those unfamiliar with their situation will think they are not in need ˹of charity because they do not beg. You can recognize them by their appearance. They do not beg people persistently. Whatever you give in charity is certainly well known to Allah.(Quran 2: 273).
One also has to be careful about not belittling the person or say hurtful words. As Quran says “ Kind words and forgiveness are better than charity followed by injury” (Quran 2:263). “O believers! Do not waste your charity with reminders of your generosity or hurtful words, like those who donate their wealth just to show off and do not believe in Allah or the Last Day. Their example is that of a hard barren rock covered with a thin layer of soil hit by a strong rain—leaving it just a bare stone. Such people are unable to preserve the reward of their charity. Allah does not guide ˹such˺ disbelieving people” (Quran 2:264).
What we can offer in charity?
It’s not always about materialistic things, good behaviour, good advice, moral support, good teaching or motivation which will change the life of a person or a simple smile can also be counted as a charity. As Allah the Almighty suggests “They ask thee what they should spend in charity. Say: Whatever you spend that is good, is for parents and kindred and orphans and those in want and for wayfarers. And whatever you do that is good, Allah knows it well” (Quran 2:215).
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “Every good deed is charity. Verily, it is a good deed to meet your brother with a smiling face, and to pour what is left from your bucket into the vessel of your brother.”
Infinite Rewards
Giving has tremendous benefits, both in this life and hereafter. Some of the benefits include:
Increased wealth: Giving can lead to an increase in wealth, as Allah promises to replace what is given with something better. “Indeed, those men and women who give in charity and lend to Allah a good loan will have it multiplied for them, and they will have an honourable reward” (Quran
“Who is it that would loan Allah a goodly loan so He may multiply it for him many times over? And it is Allah who withholds and grants abundance, and to Him you will be returned” (Quran 2:245).
Reward in the Hereafter: Giving is considered a form of worship, and those who give generously will be rewarded with paradise. Prophet Muhammad ﷺsaid, “Protect yourself from hell-fire even by giving a piece of date as charity.”
Protection from calamity: The Prophet ﷺsaid: “Give charity without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity.”
Never ending rewards: Prophet Muhammad ﷺsaid: “When a man dies, his deeds come to an end except for three things: SadaqahJariyah (ceaseless charity); a knowledge which is beneficial, or a virtuous descendant who prays for him (for the deceased).” (Muslim).
By cultivating the habit of giving, Muslims can develop a stronger connection with Allah, improve their relationships with others, and contribute to the betterment of society. The Quran states that Allah the Almighty loves “Al-Muhsinun” (the good-doers, those who do good deeds). “And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw (yourselves) with your (own) hands into destruction (by refraining). And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.”(Quran 2: 195).