Why Charity is Essential in Islam

Charity is a crucial part of the religion of Islam. Allah (SWT) emphasises the importance of charity dozens of times in the Holy Quran. It is an act that has been given priority for believers as its direct impact holds immense value and reward. No matter the size of the donation, by contributing to a charitable cause, one can make a significant difference to the recipient’s life. Charity is known as Zakat and is a part of one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Here are some of the key reasons on why charity plays an integral role in Islam.

The Mentions of Chairty in The Holy Quran

The Holy Quran is a book sent by Allah (SWT) as guidance for mankind. Its teachings are practiced by Muslims all around the world. The mentions of charity occur in various chapters throughout the holy book. You can find a few of those mentions with translation below:

Verse 261 of Surah Al-Baqarah states:

مَّثَلُ ٱلَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ أَمۡوَٰلَهُمۡ فِي سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ كَمَثَلِ حَبَّةٍ أَنۢبَتَتۡ سَبۡعَ سَنَابِلَ فِي كُلِّ سُنۢبُلَةٖ مِّاْئَةُ حَبَّةٖۗ وَٱللَّهُ يُضَٰعِفُ لِمَن يَشَآءُۚ وَٱللَّهُ وَٰسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ

The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.

Verse 271 of Surah Al-Baqarah states:

إِن تُبۡدُواْ ٱلصَّدَقَٰتِ فَنِعِمَّا هِيَۖ وَإِن تُخۡفُوهَا وَتُؤۡتُوهَا ٱلۡفُقَرَآءَ فَهُوَ خَيۡرٞ لَّكُمۡۚ وَيُكَفِّرُ عَنكُم مِّن سَيِّـَٔاتِكُمۡۗ وَٱللَّهُ بِمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ خَبِيرٞ

If you disclose your charitable expenditures, they are good; but if you conceal them and give them to the poor, it is better for you, and He will remove from you some of your misdeeds [thereby]. And Allah, with what you do, is [fully] Acquainted.

Verse 274 of Surah Al-Baqarah states:

ٱلَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ أَمۡوَٰلَهُم بِٱلَّيۡلِ وَٱلنَّهَارِ سِرّٗا وَعَلَانِيَةٗ فَلَهُمۡ أَجۡرُهُمۡ عِندَ رَبِّهِمۡ وَلَا خَوۡفٌ عَلَيۡهِمۡ وَلَا هُمۡ يَحۡزَنُونَ

Those who spend their wealth [in Allah ‘s way] by night and by day, secretly and publicly – they will have their reward with their Lord. And no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve.

These verses showcase how Allah is truly fond of people who give charity in Islam with genuine intentions, seeking his approval, and by guarding their giving they have a reward soon awaiting them from Allah.

Different Types of Charity in Islam

There might be a possibility that the following information will come as a surprise to you or that you are already aware- there are several types of charity in Islam. Here at UK Islamic Mission, we aim to educate all readers about the variations of charities that are included in Islam. Giving charity in Islam includes Kaffara, Fidya, Waqf, Fitrana and Udhiyah. However, some of the more common ones are:

Zakat: Zakat is a compulsory charity that is an obligation upon all Muslims who meet specific criteria. It is distributed among the poor and needy as outlined in Surah At-Tawbah (9:60). You can calculate your Zakat here.

Sadaqah: Sadaqah is a voluntary form of charity that can be given at any time. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: "Every act of goodness is charity." (Sahih al-Bukhari)

Sadaqah Jariyah: This is an ongoing form of charity that continues to benefit people even after the donor has passed away. Examples include building a mosque, planting a tree, or establishing a water well.

When Is The Best Time For Donations?

A donation can be made at any time of year, however the rewards one can accumulate when giving charity in Ramadan are plentiful, as the blessings are multiplied. Additionally, Allah (SWT) states:

مَّثَلُ ٱلَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ أَمْوَٰلَهُمْ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ كَمَثَلِ حَبَّةٍ أَنۢبَتَتْ سَبْعَ سَنَابِلَ فِى كُلِّ سُنۢبُلَةٍۢ مِّا۟ئَةُ حَبَّةٍۢ وَٱللَّهُ يُضَـٰعِفُ لِمَن يَشَآءُ وَٱللَّهُ وَٰسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ

"The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a grain of wheat which grows seven ears, in each ear a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing." (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:261)

Giving charity in general has the power to open one of the eight gates in heaven. Known as Baab As-Sadaqah, those who frequently give Sadaqah will enter in Jannah through this gate. By giving charity, you are able to rid your sins and gain great rewards from Allah (SWT). Click here to donate to some of our appeals.

May Allah (SWT) reward you for all your donations, ameen.