Giving Charity in Islam is an important aspect of a believer’s faith. Giving charity has been emphasised within the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him), as well as in the mentioning of the Quran. Charity is there to remind every Muslim that wealth is temporary, and it is better to share with those who are less fortunate.
Allah says in the Quran:
“To give charity publicly is good, but to give to the poor privately is better for you, and will absolve you of your sins. And Allah is All-Aware of what you do.” [Quran 2:271]
The benefits of giving charity in Islam are endless. Not only is it a perfect opportunity to gain reward for a noble act, but it also serves as a benefit to those around the world who are struggling.
Giving charity at times of hardship is said to help a believer in times of need. It has been narrated that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said “Give charity without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity.” [Tirmidhi]
There are a number of different charities in Islam. One of the most notable forms of charity in Islam, and one that is compulsory upon a believer, is Zakat.
Zakat is the third Pillar of Islam and is Fardh (obligatory) upon a Muslim who meets the criteria of being able to donate. Zakat in Arabic means to ‘cleanse’ or ‘purify’.
“Of their goods, take Zakat, so that you might purify and sanctify them.” [Quran 9:103]
A portion of one’s wealth is given annually to the poor, to purify earnings and help the underprivileged.
Zakat is based on the value of a person’s income and the value of their possessions. The minimum amount for those who qualify must calculate 2.5% of their applicable wealth and savings and pay this as Zakat.
There are eight categories for those who can receive Zakat and so it’s important for the giver to donate to someone who falls within this group:
After Zakat, one of the prominent ways in which charity is practiced in Islam is through the means of giving Sadaqah.
The Prophet (PBUH) said: The believers’ shade on the day of resurrection will be his charity. [Tirmidhi]
The direct translation of the word Sadaqah is ‘righteousness’. Sadaqah in Islam is known as a voluntary charitable act. It could be given in the form of helping someone in need through sponsoring a family, to something as simple as smiling at a stranger on the street. What separates Sadaqah from other acts of charity is that it doesn’t have to be given in the arrangement of money, but it’s an act of kindness made to please Allah, without the expectation of getting anything in return.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “A charity is due for every joint in each person on every day the sun comes up: to act justly between two people is a charity; to help a man with his mount, lifting him onto it or hoisting up his belongings onto it, is a charity; a good word is a charity, and removing a harmful thing from the road is a charity.” [Bukhari, Muslim]
There are incredible benefits to giving Sadaqah. Giving this form of charity increases blessings in one’s life, but also stand in the way of punishment in the Hereafter.
It has been narrated that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said “Sadaqah extinguishes sin as a water extinguishes fire.” [Tirmidhi]
The term Sadaqah Jariyah in Arabic translates to ‘flowing’ or ‘running’ charity. A deed that never dies, Sadaqah Jariyah is a form of charity made to never stop. Unlike Sadaqah, Sadaqah Jariyah is a type of charity made to support a project with long term impacts. It can also be carried out on behalf of a deceased so that they may continue to gain the rewards of this charity in the Hereafter.
The examples of Sadaqah Jariyah are –
It has been narrated that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said ”When a man dies, his deeds come to an end except for three things: Sadaqah Jariyah (ceaseless charity); a knowledge which is beneficial, or a virtuous descendant who prays for him (for the deceased).” [Muslim]
Fidya is a donation made in Islam by those who are unable to fast in the month of Ramadan due to reasons such as old age and chronic illnesses. Those that aren’t able to make up their fasts at a later time are required to donate Fidya.
The amount of Fidya to be donated must be equivalent to that of 1.6kg of wheat or 3.2kg of Barley, or of its value, and to be paid for all 29 or 30 fasts that are missed.
Kaffarah, similar to Fidya is a form of compensation but applies to a situation when someone breaks a fast or oath intentionally. Kaffarah is done as redemption, requiring one to fast for 60 consecutive days. If fasting for those 60 days is not possible then one must feed sixty poor people for a day (two meals a day, each meal equivalent to Fidya). The last option that stands with Kaffarah if the prior acts are not possible is to feed one person for sixty days consecutively. The last form of Kaffarah cannot be all given in one day but must be given over sixty separate days.
Lillah is a form of charity given for the sake of Allah to only please Allah. Though its act is similar to Sadaqah, with donations being completely voluntary without any expectation in return, it isn’t typically donated to a person, but an institute such as an orphanage, mosque or hospital. The purpose of Lillah is to improve and change the lives of others who are in need.
Allah says in the Quran “Indeed. The men who practice charity and the women practice charity and [they who] have loaned Allah a goodly loan – it will be multiplied for them, and they will have a noble reward.” [Quran 57:18]
Charity in Islam is practiced through different means. In whatever way it is done, the intention in giving should be right. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said time and time again that charity should be performed on a regular basis, and the importance of giving is noted in both the Quran and Hadith. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) told him Ummah not to delay in giving charity and that giving is deemed to be one of the most favourable acts in Islam.
Do not show lethargy or negligence in giving alms and charity till your last breath.” [Bukhari and Muslim].
Would you like to make a difference to someone’s life and gain reward for the donation you make? UKIM offers various appeals to help you complete your charitable duty.
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