Right after Salat and Roza, charity holds its own important place in Islam. The essence of charity is not limited to just giving away money or resources. It is an act that is synonymous with self-purification and saying thanks to Allah. Islam places high importance on being interconnected with humanity. Charity, whether it be in the form of sadqah or zakat, helps to reduce inequality in society and draws you closer to your Creator. In this article, we will learn about charity in Islam through the eyes of hadith.
What Is the Spiritual Essence of Charity?
The Muslims must think of whatever wealth they have as a trust from Allah. It should be considered as a tool that must be used to help out others. One of the benefits of giving away charity is that it must fulfil the needs of others. Giving away charity is not just a social duty, it is also a type of worship that helps the Muslims form a connection with Allah. The Prophet Muhammad said:
Narrated Abu Huraira:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Seven (people) will be shaded by Allah by His Shade on the Day of Resurrection when there will be no shade except His Shade. (They will be), a just ruler, a young man who has been brought up in the worship of Allah, a man who remembers Allah in seclusion and his eyes are then flooded with tears, a man whose heart is attached to mosques (offers his compulsory congregational prayers in the mosque), two men who love each other for Allah’s Sake, a man who a charming lady of noble birth calls to commit illegal sexual intercourse with her, and he says, ‘I am afraid of Allah,’ and (finally), a man who gives in charity so secretly that his left-hand does not know what his right hand has given.” [Sahih al-Bukhari 6806]
This hadith highlights the importance of the eternal reward that awaits those who indulge in charity. Any charity that you give away in the name of Allah will act as a shield on the day of judgement. Apart from the rewards, charity also helps to cleanse your soul. It removes the quality of greediness and selfishness from your character. On the contrary, it helps to develop the feeling of empathy and gratitude.
What Are the Types of Charity in Islam?
There are multiple types of charity In Islam some of them are obligatory while some are mandatory:
1. Zakat
Zakat is a mandatory form of charity where Muslims must give 2.5% of their wealth to help out some specific categories of Muslims in society. These include the poor, needy, and others whose list has been mentioned in the Quran.
2. Sadaqah
This is a type of charity that is given voluntarily at any date or time. It can even be in any form, either in cash or otherwise. The prophet Muhammad in one instance, mentioned the definition of sadaqah as
“Your smiling in the face of your brother is charity” [Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1956]
It is through these generous acts that Muslims can truly foster their connection with Allah and help their community.
The Principle of Charity Through Hadith
One of the highest motivations for any Muslim to give away their wealth in charity is the promise of reward in this world and hereafter.
Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) as saying: [Sahih Muslim 2588]
This hadith is a confirmation from the Prophet Muhammad himself that those who give away charity must not worry about financial loss. It assures the believers that charity increases blessings and increases provision. Whatever any Muslim gives away in Allah’s path will be replenished by Him.
The prophet Muhammad (PBUH), in another instance, mentions
It was narrated by ‘Abdullah bin Umar:
“The Messenger of Allah said when mentioning charity and those who refrain from asking. “The upper hand is better than the lower hand; the upper hand is that which gives and the lower hand is that which asks.” [Sunan an-Nasa’i 2533]
This hadith helps Muslims to understand how important it is for Muslims to always stay on the giving end rather than the receiving end. It places importance on the virtue of providing for others and maintaining self-respect.
Charity Is a Path to Paradise
The ultimate goal of any Muslim believer is to achieve the blessings of Allah and enter paradise. Charity plays a crucial role in fulfilling this goal. The prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said
“(O people!) Save yourselves from the (Hell) Fire even if with one half of a date fruit (given in charity), and if this is not available, then (save yourselves) by saying a good pleasant friendly word.” [Sahih al-Bukhari 6023]
This hadith highlights the importance of giving away charity and how even small acts of charity are important. Whatever you give away in the name of Allah is significant, no matter how small it is.
What Is the Social Affect of Charity?
Charity is not just important for spiritual benefits. It is also important for the reformation of any society. When Islam encourages the distribution of wealth, it ensures that the basic needs of those lesser than you are fulfilled. Charity reduces the inequality of wealth distribution and reduces poverty.
Ibn ‘Abbas told Ibn az-Zubayr,
“I heard the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, say, ‘A man is not a believer who fills his stomach while his neighbor is hungry.” [Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 112]
This hadith shows how important it is to take care of your neighbors. It highlights the fact that Muslims develop compassion and unity.
What Are Some Practical Ways to Give Charity?
Giving away charity has become relatively easier in today’s modern world. Muslims can divulge in any act of charity in several ways:
- Monetary contribution by supporting local and international charity organizations. You can even support individuals in need.
- You can even give your time and effort at any school, community, or shelter.
- As mentioned earlier in the article, even a simple act of smiling is considered an act of charity.
When giving away monetary charity to any organization, Muslims must ensure that they are authentic and reliable. Verifying such organizations ensures that your charity actually reaches others who are truly in need.
How Can You Balance Charity with Discretion?
The teachings of Islam place high importance on maintaining the dignity of the charity recipient. It ensures that the donors are sincere with their charity. In the Quran, Allah mention
اِنْ تُبْدُوا الصَّدَقٰتِ فَنِعِمَّا ہِىَ۰ۚ وَاِنْ تُخْفُوْھَا وَ تُؤْتُوْھَا الْفُقَرَاۗءَ فَھُوَخَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ۰ۭ وَيُكَفِّرُ عَنْكُمْ مِّنْ سَيِّاٰتِكُمْ۰ۭ وَاللہُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُوْنَ خَبِيْرٌ۲۷۱
If you give alms openly, it is well; but if you do it secretly and give to the poor, that is better. This will absolve you of some of your sins, and God is cognisant of all you do. [Al-Quran, 2:271]
However, in certain circumstances, public acts of charity also serve as inspiration to others. The only thing to consider in such cases is that it must be done with clean intentions. Finding the perfect balance is important to gain maximum benefits from your charitable acts.
Charity Goes Beyond Monetary Help
The concept of charity in Islam is not just limited to giving away your monetary wealth. You can even give charity in the form of non-monetary acts, too. For instance, teaching someone, helping someone out, or not harming anyone else. The Prophet Muhammad said:
“Your smiling in the face of your brother is charity, commanding good and forbidding evil is charity, your giving directions to a man lost in the land is charity for you. Your seeing for a man with bad sight is a charity for you, your removal of a rock, a thorn or a bone from the road is a charity for you. Your pouring what remains from your bucket into the bucket of your brother is charity for you.” [Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1956]
All of these acts ensure that any Muslim can participate in acts of charity regardless of their own financial status.
Conclusion
Charity is truly a transformative act that helps cleanse the soul and build a sense of gratitude. It helps to strengthen the sense of community. The teachings of Prophet Muhammad constantly remind us that giving charity is not just any moral obligation. It is a road to spiritual growth and reward. You can give away charity in the form of money or even through acts of kindness. All these acts will help form a strong connection with Allah.
