Charity (Sadaqah and Zakat) holds a central place in Islam, reflecting compassion, social justice, and spiritual purification. It is more than just financial support – it is a means of strengthening the community and seeking the pleasure of Allah (God).
1. Charity is a pillar of Islam
- Zakat (obligatory charity) is one of the five pillars of Islam. It ensures the fair distribution of wealth and supports those in need.
- Sadaqah (voluntary charity) is an act of kindness that brings immense rewards.
📖 “And establish prayer and give Zakat, and whatever good you put forward for yourselves—you will find it with Allah.” (Quran 2:110)
2. Purifies wealth and soul
- Giving charity cleanses the heart from greed and selfishness.
- It helps Muslims acknowledge that wealth is a trust from Allah.
📖 “Take from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them to increase.” (Quran 9:103)
3. Helps the needy and strengthens community bonds
- Islam encourages generosity towards the poor, orphans, widows, and debtors.
- Charity fosters compassion and unity, ensuring no one is left behind.
📖 “The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his charity.” (Hadith, Tirmidhi)
4. Increases blessings and wealth
- Giving charity does not decrease wealth; instead, it brings barakah (blessings) and prosperity.
- It creates a cycle of goodness, where generosity leads to spiritual and material rewards.
📖 “Whoever spends in charity will have his wealth multiplied by Allah.” (Quran 2:261)
5. Protects from hardships and calamities
- Charity serves as a shield against difficulties in this life and the Hereafter.
- It can be given as Sadaqah Jariyah (continuous charity), such as funding a water well or building a school, which benefits people long after the giver has passed.
📖 “Give charity without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity.” (Hadith, Tirmidhi)
6. Earns eternal rewards (Sadaqah Jariyah)
- Ongoing charity (e.g., building a mosque, funding education, or supporting the poor) continues to benefit a person even after death.
📖 “When a man dies, his deeds come to an end except for three things: Sadaqah Jariyah, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for him.” (Hadith, Muslim)
Charitable giving in Islam is more than just helping others – it is an act of worship, a means of purification, and a path to eternal rewards. Whether through Zakat, Sadaqah, or Sadaqah Jariyah, every act of giving brings blessings, protection, and spiritual fulfilment.
Would you like help structuring a charitable wealth plan tailored to your financial goals? If so, you can book a free consultation with one of our Financial Advisers to see how we can help you.
Disclaimer
This article is for information only. Please do not act based on anything you might read in this article. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of current or future returns. This article contains general information only and does not consider individual objectives, taxation position or financial needs. Nor does this constitute a recommendation of the suitability of any investment strategy for a particular investor. It is not an offer to buy or sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any security or instrument or to participate in any trading strategy to any person in any jurisdiction in which such an offer or solicitation is not authorised or to any person to whom it would be unlawful to market such an offer or solicitation.