Charity means to give someone the things which they cannot buy like clothes, food, and shelter, etc. Usually, we donate money as charity so the needy people may buy things according to their choice. In our religion Islam, charity has great importance. The meaning of charity in Islam is to help someone by showing love, care, compassion, and generosity. Many people think charity can only be monetary, but there are many other physical ways as well.
In Quran, it is clearly stated that:
“Worship none but Allah. Treat with kindness your parents and kindred, and orphans and those in need; speak fair to the people; be steadfast in prayer; and practice regular charity” Surah Al-Bakrah 2:83.
The word charity صَدَقَةٍ is mentioned in the Holy Quran 19 times in 19 different verses. There are two main types of charity: Obligatory and Voluntary.
Obligatory Charity: An example of Obligatory Charity is Zakat. The meaning of Zakat is “To Purify”. Here purify specifically means to cleanse wealth. It is one of the pillars of Islam. It is obligatory to one who owns 3 ounces/87.48g of gold, or 21 ounces/612.36g silver, or money and property equivalent to it. There is a set percentage which is to be paid once a year.
Paying Zakat reminds us that everything in this world belongs to Allah. We entered this world bare-handed, and we have to leave this temporary world with nothing except our deeds.
Voluntary Charity: An example of Voluntary Charity is Sadqa-e-Jaria which means “Ongoing Charity”. It is termed as Jaria or ongoing, because the reward of Sadqa-e-Jaria will continue forever; in this world and hereafter.
We earn this reward by doing little Ajaria deeds for example:
i. To fulfill basic needs of a child, orphans, widow, or a needy person by helping them in acquiring knowledge or any other skill which will be helpful for them.
ii. To spread teachings of Islam, stopping others from any sin, and by teaching how to recite Quran, or helping anyone in memorizing any verse is also considered as Sadqa-e-Jaria.
iii. To contribute some amount in building or completion of any Mosque, Hospital, or School is also included in Sadqa-e-Jaria.
iv. Building a water well, planting a tree, or even picking up thorns from the way will help you in getting a reward.
“When a person dies, all their deeds end except three: A continuing charity, beneficial knowledge, and a child who prays for them,” (Hadith, Muslim).
Islam gives us the lesson of kindness. Ramadan is the best time to practice good deeds. In Quran, the word “Regular Charity” is used frequently which tells us that giving charity is a continuous act, and we should be consistent with it. We should not stop giving charity after Ramadan, it can be given in any month. We should adopt Ongoing Charity in our lives so that soon it will become our norm. Allah Almighty likes those who love His creatures, and those who are generous. May Allah include us among those people who give charity. Ameen!
“Sadaqah extinguishes sin as water extinguishes fire,” (Hadith, Tirmidhi).
Written by: Miss Yumna.
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