What is the Importance of Charity?
Charity is one of the means provided by Allah Almighty to strengthen the bonds of mercy and love in society, fostering trust and affection among its members. Charity purifies the hearts of the poor and needy from resentment and cleanses the hearts of those who give from stinginess.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said regarding charity: “Charity extinguishes the wrath of the Lord and wards off an evil death,” meaning that charity is a path to attaining Allah’s pleasure after His anger and a means to a good end.
Evidence of the Importance of Charity
Allah Almighty commanded us to give charity, as stated in the Holy Qur’an: “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. And Allah, with what you do, is Acquainted” (Al-Baqarah: 271).
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Wealth does not decrease from charity.” This means that Allah Almighty blesses the wealth of the one who gives charity. This is further affirmed by Allah’s words: “The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies for whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing” (Al-Baqarah: 261).
The Importance and Benefits of Charity in Society
The importance of charity lies in the following:
-
It eradicates poverty and unites the different social classes.
-
Charity creates a healthy society free from flaws such as theft.
-
It increases affection and love among community members.
-
It removes resentment from the hearts of the poor.
Teaching Children the Reward of Charity
Our children are the backbone of society. Therefore, to build a compassionate and supportive Islamic society, we must teach our children the virtues of charity and its importance in Islam. They should learn to give charity with a sincere intention solely for the sake of Allah Almighty, seeking His pleasure and helping our needy brothers in our Islamic community.
There are many simple ways to instill in children the habit of giving charity and the love of helping others, even if their contributions are small at first. Small habits grow with children. Before encouraging children to give charity and help the poor, it is essential to teach them the importance of charity in the sight of Allah, that it is a means to draw closer to Him, protects us from the punishment of the Day of Judgment, and that a Muslim’s charity will provide shade for them on that Day.
The Importance of Charity in Islam and the Prophetic Sunnah
Allah Almighty mentioned charity in several verses of the Holy Qur’an, and the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) also emphasized it in his noble hadiths.
Allah Almighty said in Surah Al-Baqarah:
-
“O you who have believed, spend from that which We have provided for you before there comes a Day in which there is no exchange and no friendship and no intercession. And the disbelievers – they are the wrongdoers” (Al-Baqarah: 254).
-
“Who is it that would loan Allah a goodly loan so He may multiply it for him many times over? And it is Allah who withholds and grants abundance, and to Him you will be returned” (Al-Baqarah: 245).
-
“They ask you what they should spend. Say, ‘Whatever you spend of good is for parents and relatives and orphans and the needy and the traveler. And whatever you do of good – indeed, Allah is Knowing of it’” (Al-Baqarah: 215).
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
-
Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Whoever gives charity equal to a date from honest earnings – and Allah accepts only what is pure – Allah accepts it with His right hand and nurtures it for its giver, just as one of you nurtures his foal, until it becomes like a mountain.”
-
Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Allah says, ‘Spend, O son of Adam, and I will spend on you.’”
-
Abu Huraira narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Whoever makes things easy for someone in hardship, Allah will make things easy for him in this world and the Hereafter.”