Significance of Charity in Islam

The importance of charitable giving is mentioned throughout the Qur’an, and in many ahadith. Almighty Allah has created the mankind in a manner that they remain associated and connected to one another so that, they strive to fulfill each other’s needs and requirements. Charity is a central tenet of Islam, everything one has belongs to God and therefore a Muslim is obliged to share wealth with those who are in need. Often charitable giving is motivated by people’s attitude and behavior, religious beliefs, cultures and religious education.

Muslims believe they must be compassionate because everyone is a special creation of Allah. Giving charity and helping others are considered good deeds and there should be no expectation of anything in return. In the Quran, Allah (swt) says:

“Help one another in acts of piety and righteousness. And do not assist each other in acts of sinfulness and transgression. And be aware of Allah. Verily, Allah is severe in punishment”
(Quran 5:2).
Helping poor and needy people through charity revives mutual support in the Islamic society. It also promotes the rights of the marginalized and underprivileged and spreads the message of humanity. One of the most widespread problems is poverty, hunger, and starvation that over whelming of the human beings are facing. The resulting problems due to poverty such as theft, murder, snatching purse , mobile, etc. are becoming common in society. For eliminating poverty from the society, Islam imposes the structure of an annual alms tax (Zakat). People can also help by give 'sadaqah (voluntary charity) to needy and for poor`s well-being. Sadaqah is an important charity that one can pay to the poor in any amount whenever he or she wants.

Allah Almighty loves those who help poor and needy people for getting His pleasure. Allah (SWT) says in the Noble Quran:

“And in their wealth is a recognized right. For the (needy) who asks and the one who is deprived.” (Quran, 70:24-25)

The whole concept of wealth is considered in Islam as a gift from God. Almighty Allah Who provided it to the person, made a portion of it for the poor, giving charity is considered as one of the virtuous acts in Islam. Islam warns those who cloak and save their wealth and don’t spend for the cause of Allah or in His way. (Quran 2:177) Beside a, charity and piety in individual cases, Islam encourage a creation of collective institutions for addressing issues of the poor and the needy.

In addition to zakat and sadaqah, waqf is very beneficial for poverty alleviation. The literal meaning of the word waqf is ‘detention’ or ‘confinement’. A waqf or mortmain property or income provides collective benefits, including mosques, hospitals, libraries, schools, canals, roads, and well water. Although there is no direct Quranic direction regarding the Waqf, their origination in Islamic society has been derived from a number of ahadith. It is said that during the time of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) after the Hijrah, the first waqf was composed of a grove of 600 date palms. The purpose of this waqf was to feed poor people of Medina.
Another waqf established by Prophet Muhammad's community was the mosque at Quba in Medina. The Khanna e Kaaba in Mecca, the center of the Muslims pilgrimage, is the archetype of a waqf.

Islam stresses that giving charity increases our wealth. Moreover, the blessings of Allah Almighty and rewards here after provide psychological comfort and self-satisfaction.

“Who is e that will loan to Allah a beautiful loan which Allah will double unto his credit and multiply many times? It is Allah that giveth (you) Want or plenty, and to Him shall be your return”. (Quran 2:245)
Spending in the cause of Allah is called metaphorically "a beautiful loan". It is excellent in many ways, it shows a beautiful spirit of self-denial. In other loans there may be a doubt as to the safety of capital or any return thereon; but in this case, one gives to the Lord of all and everything, in Whose hands are the manifold blessings, and rewards. One cannot deny the importance of generously giving to the deprived. As Allah Almighty says in following Verse.
“Those who spend in charity will be richly rewarded.”
(Quran 75:10)
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Save yourself from hellfire by giving even half a date-fruit in charity.” [Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 2, Hadith 498]
According to Ali Ibn Abi Talib (RA):
“Don’t feel ashamed when giving little for charity; that is because there is always goodness in giving no matter how little.”

The Quran frequently uses the words “regular charity,” so charity is best as an ongoing and consistent activity. Charity should be part of the life of every human. Annual charitable contributions and volunteer charity support a variety of good causes, change lives, and make a difference in the community in numerous ways.

The Prophet, upon him be peace, said:
“Give charity without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity” (Al-Tirmidhi).

The Prophet, upon be peace, said:
“The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his charity.” (Al-Tirmidhi)

Narrated Abu Huraira:
The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:
"The upper hand is better than the lower hand (he who gives in charity is better than him who takes it). One should start giving first to his dependents.”

Charity, like the concept of volunteerism and philanthropy, can alleviate the worst effects of humanitarian crises, supplement public services in health care, education, housing, child protection and women empowerment in society.

"Be steadfast in prayer and regular in charity. Whatever good you send forth for your souls before you, you shall find it with Allah. For Allah sees well all that you do" (2:110).