Charity in Islam
Charity and spending with the intention of seeking the pleasure of Allah (the Exalted) are among the virtuous deeds that hold significant importance in Islam. These acts serve as pathways for individuals to draw closer to their Creator and elevate their ranks. The Quran and the Sunnah encourage believers to practice charity, highlighting its benefits and virtues. Allah (the Exalted) states in the Holy Quran: “Those who spend their wealth by night and by day, secretly and publicly, will have their reward with their Lord, and they will have no fear, nor will they grieve.” The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) further emphasized the value of charity, stating: “No one gives charity from good earnings, and Allah does not accept except from good, but the Merciful takes it in His right hand, even if it is a date, until it becomes greater than a mountain, just as one of you raises his foal.” It is essential for Muslims to fulfill their charitable obligations to the best of their ability, as commanded by Allah, while being considerate of others’ feelings and maintaining sincerity in all their actions.
Understanding Charity
The term “charity” has both linguistic and technical meanings in Arabic. Here’s an overview of both definitions:
- Linguistic meaning of charity: The word is a noun that can be pluralized to “charities.” It has two interpretations: first, it refers to the obligatory almsgiving, as mentioned in the Quran: “Indeed, the charities are for the poor and the needy.” The second interpretation pertains to the giving of money, food, or clothing as an act of piety towards Allah, where one might say, “I gave the needy a charity.”
- Technical meaning of charity: It is defined as giving away one’s wealth without expecting anything in return, as an act of drawing closer to Allah. Scholars define charity as what a person gives from their wealth as a means of getting nearer to Allah. The term also encompasses all forms of kindness and includes waqf (endowment).
The Ruling of Charity and Its Purpose
Charity is not only an act of worship intended for Allah, but it is also an encouraged practice derived from the Prophet’s teachings. The Quran and Sunnah promote charitable behavior; Allah says, “Who is it that will lend Allah a goodly loan, that He may multiply it for him many times over? And it is Allah who withholds and extends [provision], and to Him you will be returned.” Additionally, a narration from the companion Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) recounts that a man asked the Prophet (peace be upon him) about a palm tree owned by another, seeking it for his wall. The Prophet responded, advising generosity towards others and mentioning the rewards in Paradise awaiting the generous. Charity has many significant purposes, including providing support for the needy and reinforcing their ability to fulfill their religious obligations. It serves as a token of gratitude to Allah for His blessings and is a testament to the faith and sincerity of the giver.
Types of Charity
The Quran and Sunnah indicate the kinds of charity that Muslims should engage in, enumerating the most meritorious forms. Here are some of the best types of charity:
- Discreet charity: Giving secretly fosters sincerity more effectively than public charity. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) praised those who give in secret and mentioned that they are among the seven whom Allah will shade on the Day of Judgment.
- Charity while in good health: Giving while one is strong and healthy is preferable to doing so in times of illness, dying, or posthumous bequests. The Prophet (peace be upon him) stated that “The best charity is when you give while you are healthy and eager, hoping for wealth and fearing poverty, and do not delay until death approaches you, saying: ‘Give to this person and that person.’”
- Charity performed after fulfilling obligatory acts.
- Giving according to one’s capacity even in times of need.
- Support for family and children.
- Charity to relatives, as stated by the Prophet (peace be upon him): “Charity to the poor is charity, and to a relative is two: charity and maintaining ties.”
- Charity to neighbors, for which the Prophet (peace be upon him) emphasized kindness.
- Donations to friends for the sake of Allah.
- Contributions towards jihad for the sake of Allah, which are among the highest forms of charity.
- Continuous charity: This refers to acts that continue to benefit the giver after their death, allowing them to earn ongoing rewards, such as providing water, digging wells, building mosques, or supporting the dissemination of knowledge.
Virtues of Charity
Charity possesses numerous virtues and effects, including:
- Elevation of the status of charity and the one who gives it, as it is among the most beloved deeds to Allah.
- Protection for the giver from challenges and calamities.
- Reward multiplicity by Allah for charitable acts.
- Atonement for sins and faults.
- Bringing blessings to one’s wealth and increasing sustenance.
- Gateway to Paradise and a shield from Allah’s punishment.
- Indicator of sincere faith and strong conviction in Allah.
- Beautification of the soul with virtues and removal of vices.
- Charity serves as a gateway to all acts of righteousness.
- The giver earns the reward proportionate to the aid they provided.