The psychological impact and spiritual satisfaction felt by the giver are far more enduring than those experienced by the receiver
There is an anonymous quote that says, “Give and you’ll be given more; love and you’ll be loved more.” The act of giving depicts offering a helping hand to alleviate someone’s suffering. In contrast to the materialist and individualist philosophy of life, most religions have made it a core part of their teachings to show kindness, sympathy, empathy, and compassion towards those who are less fortunate.
Giving is not limited to monetary help alone; it may also take the form of offering one’s time, a piece of advice, food, clothing, shelter, scholarships, and other essential items needed by those in desperate situations. With this understanding, even those who are not affluent can still help others.
Islam, as a religion that preaches universal brotherhood and shared values, has made charity one of its five central pillars. With its comprehensive understanding of what charity truly entails, Islam calls upon Muslims to share their God-given blessings with their families, friends, neighbours, countrymen, and humanity at large.
The Arabic terms Zakāh, Ṣadaqah, Infāq, and the like are all intended to encourage helping the Muslim community as well as humanity at large.
Philosophically speaking, Islam teaches that within a rich person’s wealth lies a right for the poor. No well-to-do individual can be considered a complete Muslim if they are unwilling to share a portion of their income or resources with the poor and needy.
The emphasis on sharing one’s wealth is well-justified in the following Qur’anic verse:
You will never achieve righteousness until you donate some of what you cherish. And whatever you give is certainly well known to Allah. (Ali’ Imaran: 92)
Contrary to the materialistic belief that giving charity decreases the wealth of an individual, the Qur’an affirms that charity given to help others in no way decreases, but increases manifold:
“The likeness of those who spend their wealth in the Way of Allah, is as the likeness of a grain (of corn); it grows seven ears, and each ear has a hundred grains. Allah gives manifold increase to whom He pleases. And Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures’ needs, All-Knower.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:261)
“Who is it that will give Allah a good loan so that He may multiply it for him many times over?” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:245)
The Benefits of Giving Charity
In many ways, the giving of charity purifies the soul of the giver. Giving, as an act of Ibadah, elevates the status of a believer in the sight of Allah and strengthens the bond between the giver and the recipient of the charity.
Socially, it narrows the disparity between the haves and the have-nots in society. On several occasions, the Prophet of Islam (SAW) mentioned that charity has the capacity to prolong life, avert misfortune, ensure that the giver does not become poor, wash away sins, and bring many other blessings to the giver. The following are some Aḥādīth related to charity:
“Charity increases lifespan.”
“Give charity without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity.”
“Charity extinguishes sins just as water extinguishes fire.”
“Charity does not decrease wealth, and no one forgives except that Allah increases him in honour.”
The psychological impact and spiritual satisfaction felt by the giver are far more enduring than those experienced by the receiver. In general, when giving, the giver hopes and prays that his humble contribution is accepted and rewarded in the sight of Allah.
As people commonly say nowadays, “what goes around, comes around.” Similarly, in one of the Hadith, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said that the kindness we show to others will be reciprocated by Allah Himself:
“Those who show mercy will be shown mercy by the Most Merciful.” (Reported in Sunan al-Tirmidhi)
Eight Categories of Recipients
In Surah At-Tawbah, Allah has outlined the eight categories of people who are eligible to receive Zakāh (obligatory charity):
“Alms are for the poor and the needy, and those employed to administer the (funds); for those whose hearts have been (recently) reconciled (to Truth); for those in bondage and in debt; in the cause of Allah; and for the wayfarer: (thus is it) ordained by Allah, and Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom.” (Al-Taubah: 60)
Charity During Ramadhan
In contrast to the other months of the Islamic calendar, during Ramadhan, Muslims around the world, whether individually or collectively, become more charitable. Zakat al-Fitr, which is a special form of charity given exclusively during the fasting month, becomes highly prioritized, as one’s fasting is not considered complete without fulfilling this obligation. It is the responsibility of the father, as the head of the household, to give Zakat al-Fitr on behalf of each member of the family.
Apart from Zakat al-Fitr, it is a common practice among Muslim communities worldwide to contribute food, drinks, and delicacies for Iftar at mosques, orphanages, and other designated places for breaking the fast.
In addition to these Iftar contributions, individuals and Muslim charitable organizations also provide meals during Suhur.
Like daily prayers and Tilawah, charity done during the month of Ramadhan also carries a greater reward.
To further enhance their acts of charity, some Muslims go beyond food provision by offering the poor, needy, and destitute cash, clothing, and other essential items to help them celebrate Eid at the end of Ramadhan.
In recognizing the spiritual, psychological, and social benefits of charity, we should seize every opportunity to be generous. Furthermore, for the Muslim Ummah to be dynamic and self-sufficient, those who aspire to follow in the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) should be inspired to contribute in every possible way, be it money, food, clothing, ideas, knowledge, or skills.
The challenges faced by poor Muslim communities and nations should not be left solely to developed countries to address. Oil-rich Muslim nations, in particular, have a responsibility to support those countries grappling with crises of all kinds. Finally, as we conclude this blessed month of Ramadhan, let us strive to carry the spirit of charity throughout the year.
The views expressed are those of Dr. Mohd Abbas Abdul Razak from the Department of Fundamental and Interdisciplinary Studies, AHAS KIRKHS, IIUM
Source: IslamiCity
