Charity is highly valued in Islam. Many Verses emphasize that the most blessed and beloved people are those “who believe and do good deeds”. But does a good intention always make an action good or useful? Does charity always solve problems: poverty, lack, limited opportunities?
Proof of the important role of charity and generosity in Islam is at least the fact that this theme runs through a number of Verses of the Koran, in which charity and generosity are often mentioned simultaneously with the obligation to observe Salah. Islam establishes a number of events that are accompanied by acts of charity, such as during the celebration of both Eids, if it is not possible to fast during Ramadan due to pregnancy, nursing a child, chronic illness or old age, as forgiveness of debt, you can give Sadaqah. This constant emphasis on the role of charity in Islam does not allow a Muslim to forget about the needs of his less fortunate brothers and sisters and makes them perceive their difficulties as their own. [1]
Take from their wealth ˹O Prophet˺ charity to purify and bless them, and pray for them—surely your prayer is a source of comfort for them. And Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.
What is considered as Charity?
Providing any help to those who need it at the moment is also charity, equivalent to monetary support. [2]
Your smiling to your brother is charity, commanding good and forbidding evil is charity, your giving directions to a man lost in the land is charity. 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 charity for you. Your pouring what remains from your bucket into the bucket of your brother is charity for you.
Based on this hadith, we can conclude that any good deed that somehow contributes to helping those in need is charity.
Types of Charity
Often donations are divided by the duration of their useful action:
- One-time – the reward for them will be until the person dies
- Alms, the reward for which does not stop even after the death of the person
- Continuous charity, which is called “Sadaqah Jariyah”
That is, a believer who plants an apple tree (or other tree) whose fruit is eaten by other people, animals, and birds, even if another person sits down to rest under the shade of this tree, will also receive a reward until the tree dries up or is cut down.
What you should keep in mind when giving Sadaqah:
- Alms should be distributed in secretly
- Donate from what you earn with honest work
- Actively distribute alms in Ramadan
- Don’t skimp on the charity
References
- The Quran, 9:103 (Surah at-Tawbah)
- Jami at-Tirmidhi: Book 27,Hadith 62
