Importance of Charity in Islam and the Third pillar of Islam.

CHARITY IN ISLAM

Allah Almighty said,

"O son of Adam! Spend, and I shall spend on you."

(Narrated by Abu Huraira: Bukhari, 64)

Charity is called Sadaqah or Zakat in Islam and Muslims give voluntarily to poor people to please Allah Almighty. This act also describes an uncoerced charitable act towards other people through love, generosity, faith, and compassion. Even the simple kind deeds such as helping others, and smiling, are seen as Sadaqah.

Anyone can give sadaqah for any good purpose and amount. Many companions of Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) were extremely bounteous in giving charity, often giving away big portions of wealth and keeping only small enough for their needs.

In Islam being caring and sympathetic to others is the central part of belief. At different points in the Quran, charity is mentioned several times and one can help being struck by them. Various references in the Quran about feeding the poor and needy, helping relatives, orphans, and travelers, and spending for the pleasure of Allah emphasize the importance of Sadaqah in Islam.

In addition to the undeniable benefits of charity, Islam mentioned the courage to spend your money selflessly with a strong belief that everything they have in life comes from Allah Almighty. We must not collect our money and blessings because we believe that He wishes for us to be sympathetic and share our blessings with others without pride.

 

Believers! Do not nullify your acts of charity by stressing your benevolence and causing hurt as does he who spends his wealth only to be seen by people and does not believe in Allah and the Last Day. (Al- Baqarah: 264)

Types of Charity in Islam

Zakat or charity is the third pillar of Islam. Spending wealth as charity for needy and poor people is the most important characteristic of Islam. Muslims should realize how their charity could build strong societies. It is necessary for the well-being of the poor as well as the ultimate pleasure of the giver. Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) explained the forms of charity. One is Zakat and another is Sadaqah. Zakat is given to deserving people with a specific or standardized percentage of wealth. But sadaqah is not for specific people or in a standardized form, we can give it to anyone in different forms. The smile, true advice, or any good help is Sadaqah.

The Prophet 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)

Awards on the day of Judgment

On the Final day of judgment when the sun will be too hot to bear and everyone lost shade and could not protect themselves from heat waves, Allah Almighty will save those under shade who spend money for the poor and give charity. The sacrifices of Muslims in this life will be the protection on the Day of Judgment.

The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) said: "The believer's shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his charity." (Al-Tirmidhi)

Giving Sadaqah that is too easy can save you from the hellfire if Allah Almighty so wishes.

The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) said:

 

"Guard yourself against the Hellfire, even with half of a date in Sadaqah. If he cannot find it, then with a kind word."  (Bukhari and Muslim)

Sometimes we consider the small acts are not enough and we avoid ourselves to do these acts but Allah Almighty reminds us repeatedly that they are much enough and that we should do the act of kindness even when we can not see the value in them.

Another power of Sadaqah is that it can protect you from difficulties, calamities, trials, and hardships.

"Give Sadaqah without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity." – Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (At-Tirmidhi)

There are many reasons to give Sadaqah even when you are not particularly religious. You might help poor people and teach your children as an act of generosity or selflessness. But when you are Believer your reasons for spending money, care, and time for others are tied to the higher rank.

 

The question is: Will you act on this?