In Islam, there is a high emphasis on charity and giving charity regularly for the sake of God. There are several types of charity in Islam, obligatory and voluntary, that Muslims strive to give or perform.
One type of charity is Sadaqah. This is a voluntary type of charity that is not necessarily in a financial
One type of charity is Sadaqah. This is a voluntary type of charity that is not necessarily given in a financial form but can be given through good actions, such as smiling, showing love to someone or helping someone in any way. An example of Sadaqah could be helping an elderly person carry their groceries to their car or helping a blind person cross the road.
Another type of charity is Sadaqah Jariyah, which is like Sadaqah. It is a voluntary form of charity that holds a lot of rewards, but the difference is that it has ongoing or everlasting rewards for the giver, and these rewards continue even after the giver has passed away. These acts of charity help a person or multiple people, usually for an extensive period of time. Some examples of Sadaqah Jariyah can be seen below:
- Donating a wheelchair to a hospital
- Building an orphanage
- Helping to build a water well
- Planting a tree
- Contributing to school materials
- Teaching others beneficial knowledge
- Having children and bringing them up to be righteous and kind
Another type of charity is Zakat. This is a compulsory form of charity for Muslims who are adults, sane, and hold enough wealth to be considered wealthy. Zakat is the annual practice of giving 2.5% of your overall wealth to charity to show gratitude and to obey God’s commands. This 2.5% must be paid on all valuable assets such as cash, gold, silver, livestock and bonds.
Why Do Muslims Give Charity?
There are many sayings of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, that Muslims apply to their lives and follow to the best of their ability. Here are some of his sayings about charity:
“Give charity without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity.” (Al-Tirmidhi)
“When a man dies, his deeds come to an end except for three things: Sadaqah Jariyah (ceaseless charity); a knowledge which is beneficial, or a virtuous descendant who prays for him (for the deceased).” (Muslim)
“Allah, the Exalted, says, ‘Spend, O son of Adam, and I shall spend on you.’” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).
“Do not show lethargy or negligence in giving alms and charity till your last breath.” (Bukhari and Muslim).
Giving Charity During Ramadan
In Ramadan 2023 many Muslims gave charity to reap the rewards of this holy month and to please God. It is during this month that many Muslims do extra charity work, either by going abroad to help others who are suffering from hardships and natural disasters or by helping family, friends, or neighbours who require assistance in day-to-day life.
Budgeting As A Muslim To Incorporate Charitable Giving
Money can be tight, but for Muslims, giving charity, even when things are hard for yourself, is very important. Muslims believe that by helping others, God will help them, as God is the best of providers.
A good way to budget as a Muslim wanting to give regular charity would be to keep about £10 out every week or every month, depending on your financial capacity, and giving this to a person in need or a charity. There are also automatic payments to make regular donations to charities, which can be set up easily and ensure you give to charity on a regular basis.
