As one of the Five Pillars of Islam, charity plays a huge part in everyday life for Muslims around the world. Several different categories of charity are defined in Islam, the two most important being zakat (obligatory charity) and sadaqa (voluntary charity). Zakat is a specific, standardized ratio of one’s extra wealth (over and above the necessities of life) that must be given to the poor and those in need. Sadaqah can be given to anyone in many procedures including a smile, wise advice, or helping to build a home or masjid.

The Prophet SAW said: “Your smile for your brother is a charity. Your removal of stones, thorns or bones from the paths of people is a charity. Your guidance of a person who is lost is a charity.” (Bukhari).

SHADE ON THE DAY OF JUDGEMNET:

On the day when all other shade will be gone, Allah will shade and shelter those who give charity and care for the poor. The Muslim’s sacrifice in this life will be their protection on the Day of Judgment.

The Holy Prophet (PBUH) has narrated:

“The believer’s shade on the Day of Judgement will be his charitable acts”  (Al-Tirmidhi)

Nothing feels better than the act of giving that serves as a reminder that everything we have in this world is immaterial and never initially belonged to us in the first place. Be like the Prophet (PBUH) and never forget the importance of giving charity in Islam, not only for the good of yourself but your acts of kindness will help to raise up everyone around you.

Charity is the act of extending love and kindness to others unconditionally. . It is the act of nature that makes it precious and soulful. It is one of the kindest act you can do to someone to help them. When Charity is carried out selflessly, it is a one-way act where a person gives but asks for nothing in return.  But unfortunately, in today’s world, serving people is turning into a part of stretching yourself into the limelight.

“Charity begins at home” is a famous phrase having a deep essence of life. Donations can be made not only with money but also by giving what is needed to the needy.  A person who is willing to help others should first assure the wellness of his or her family members. First priority of a person should be always his or her family and friends.

If I talk in the light of my experience, the happiness and satisfaction that we gain after Pleasing the mortals in far greater than the satisfaction that we receive after doing anything for yourself.  Charity is important and therefore destined to be done for public benefit, relief and to provide aid to people at times of need in any part of the world, especially those who are the victims of war, natural disaster, catastrophe, hunger, disease, poverty, orphans by supplying them with food, shelter, medical aid, and other fundamental needs.

Since this world has been created it’s been unequal in every way and there will always be rich and poor, strong and weak living together. While poverty is extreme and prevalent, let’s not forget just how many rich and well-off people there are in the developed world capable of charitable. It’s high time we must realize the power that we have in our hands when pooled together.

The size of our contribution would directly link to the number of people we are able to benefit. We do not have to be a millionaire to make a noteworthy difference. Just as every drop in the ocean counts to form a vast water mass, even small contributions have the potential to drastically improve an individual’s quality of life.

Nowadays, it has become a trend among people within the class of well-to-do group that, when they extend their support to the needy, they post everything on social platforms. They want people to know about their kind full acts even if they do it with good intentions. Nut in my belief, if you aim to do it secretly and are determined about keeping confidentiality, no one ever will get to know about it.

The next point is, I have seen people clicking pictures as they donate required essentials to the people in need. By this act, they aren’t just publicizing themselves but also offending the people they are serving.  Charity is a thing that explains the human bond with the utmost sanity. It explains and brings out concern and sympathy towards one another. It is not just about donating money or essentials but also with that your intent is the most vital aspect for it to be acceptable. All religions and beliefs promote the concept of charity. According to my belief, even a smile is charity.

The Quran and Sunnah repeatedly stresses the importance of giving Sadaqah and Allah (SWT) has promised many benefits and virtues to the person who does. Here are the reasons why you should be giving Sadaqah on regular basis:

1. SADAQAH HELPS CURE SICKNESS AND AVERTS DEATH. The Prophet (saw) also said: “Sadaqah appeases the Lord’s anger and averts an evil death.” (Tirmidhi)
2. SADAQAH EASES HARDSHIPS AND REMOVES CALAMITIES. The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said “Give the Sadaqah without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity.” (Tirmidhi)
3. SADAQA EXPIATES SINS. On the Day of Judgement, we will all be held to account for every sin we have committed major and minor. No matter how hard we try, we are only human, and sinning is inevitable. That is why it is important for us to give Sadaqah regularly to expiate our sins. The Prophet (SAWS) said: “Charity extinguishes the sins like water extinguishes a fire.” (Ibn Majah)

Thus, where money circulates in the society through (Sadaqah and charities), it also becomes a source of fulfilling many needs of the poor and destitute people. Thus, Quran says, “Indeed, the men who practice charity and the women who practice charity and (they who) have loaned Allah a goodly loan - it will be multiplied for them, and they will have a noble reward”.

What you have read in this Article is just a brief recap of value that charity in Islam has. If we do not help our needy brothers and sisters, even after reading this article, one can only lament on such a sad state of affairs. Nevertheless, we hope that this discussion will serve as a driving force for you to give more charity this year!

Published in The Daily National Courier, December, 19 2022

Like Business on Facebook, follow @DailyNCourier on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.