The best forms of charity and their importance in the life of a Muslim
Table of Contents
Charity in Islam carries a deep and comprehensive meaning that goes beyond giving material possessions. Charity is any form of giving that is offered with sincere intention for the sake of Allah. Allah Almighty has made charity one of the most beautiful ways to purify wealth and the soul, and to ward off calamities from the giver. Is there anything more beautiful than an act of worship that increases sustenance and blessings, becomes a means of entering Paradise, and brings one closer to Allah Almighty?
Therefore, through today’s article, we present to you the importance of charity in Islam, the best types of charity, and its impact on both the individual and society.
What is charity?
Charity is anything given voluntarily to the poor and needy without expecting anything in return, whether food, clothing, or money, with sincere intention for the sake of Allah in order to attain great reward and recompense.
Charity linguistically: Charity is derived from the root “truthfulness” and signifies sincerity in action and speech. A charitable person demonstrates the sincerity of their faith through their actions.
Charity includes everything given to draw closer to Allah, whether it is a kind word, food, drink, or removing harm from the road.
The importance of charity in Islam
The importance of charity in Islam for both the individual and society can be explained as follows:
The importance of charity in Islam for the individual
- Erasing sins and transgressions, as the Prophet ﷺ said: “Charity extinguishes sin just as water extinguishes fire.”
- Charity increases blessings in provision. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “Wealth is not decreased by charity.” (Narrated by Muslim)
- Charity purifies wealth and the soul from stinginess and greed.
- It repels calamities and protects its giver from hardships.
- It multiplies reward and recompense in the Hereafter.
The importance of charity in Islam for society
- It spreads compassion and mercy within society.
- It reduces poverty and improves the conditions of those in need.
- Charity achieves social solidarity and helps build a strong, cohesive community.
- It strengthens relationships and reinforces bonds of love and harmony among people.
The best types of charity
Below are the best types of charity that carry multiplied reward and recompense:
Ongoing charity (Sadaqah Jariyah)
Ongoing charity is considered one of the best forms of charity because its benefit continues and its impact remains even after the donor’s death. It carries great reward as it benefits people in their daily lives. Examples include building mosques, digging wells, planting trees, and building hospitals.
Feeding others
One of the most beautiful ongoing charities is feeding the poor and needy. It leads its giver to Paradise, protects them from Hellfire, and has a great impact on increasing provision and wealth, as it alleviates hunger and spreads love and compassion within society.
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Spread peace, feed others, maintain family ties, and pray at night while people are asleep, and you will enter Paradise in peace.”
Sponsoring an orphan
This is one of the greatest and most rewarding forms of charity. The Prophet ﷺ said: “I and the sponsor of an orphan will be like this in Paradise,” and he held his fingers together. It involves caring for and supporting those who have lost one or both parents, ensuring them a dignified and secure life.
Sponsoring a student of knowledge
This type of charity helps spread knowledge by supporting students in completing their education, covering their educational and living expenses so they can focus on learning, thus contributing to a more educated and developed society.
Providing water
Providing water is among the most beloved charities to Allah, as it secures a continuous source of water for those in need. The Prophet ﷺ said: “The best charity is giving water to drink.” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari)
The impact of charity on the individual and society
Charity has a great impact and immense virtue on both the individual and society, including the following:
The impact of charity on the individual
- Brings joy and happiness to the hearts of those in need and spreads inner peace.
- Forgives sins and erases transgressions.
- Protects the giver from calamities and hardships.
- Relieves worries and instills inner satisfaction.
- Increases wealth and brings blessings to one’s money.
The impact of charity on society
- Fights poverty and unemployment by improving living conditions.
- Contributes to building a strong society free from social problems.
- Builds a community filled with noble human values.
- Purifies society from greed and miserliness.
- Spreads love and mercy among people.
- Reduces the gap between social classes.
The best time to give charity
There are blessed times when giving charity yields greater reward, including:
In secret
Giving charity in secret is among the best ways to give, as it keeps the act free from showing off and preserves sincerity. The Prophet ﷺ mentioned among those shaded by Allah on the Day of Judgment: “A man who gives charity and conceals it so that his left hand does not know what his right hand has given.”
Secrecy also preserves the dignity of the poor and prevents embarrassment.
After committing sins
One of the best times to give charity is immediately after committing sins, seeking forgiveness from Allah, as charity extinguishes sins just as water extinguishes fire.
A believer should intend through charity to erase sins along with sincere repentance and seeking forgiveness.
At times of need
Times of need are among the best times for charity, as they directly fulfill the needs of others, such as:
- Providing water in areas suffering from water scarcity.
- Feeding the poor and needy.
- Helping those in debt.
- Supporting those affected by natural disasters or wars.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the greatest form of charity in the sight of Allah?
The greatest form of charity in the sight of Allah is ongoing charity, as its reward continues and its benefit remains even after the donor’s death.
Which type of charity is most accepted by Allah?
Ongoing charity is among the most accepted forms of charity due to its lasting impact, such as providing water, building mosques and hospitals, and sponsoring students of knowledge.
What is the best ongoing charity?
The best ongoing charity is providing water, followed by building mosques, spreading knowledge, digging wells, and building hospitals and schools.
What are daily charities?
Daily charities include smiling, kind words, removing harm from the road, helping those in need, and reading the Qur’an with the intention of reward.
How can I give charity without money?
You can give charity without money through smiling, kind words, teaching others, and removing harm from the road.
