Charity is Continuous (Sadaqah Jariyah)

 

“Charity sees the need, not the cause”.

As we all know that Charity is highly valued in Islam and plays an important role in the faith. In Islam, charity is known as "Sadaqah" or "Zakat," and it has a special position in the religion. Charity is described as the voluntary provision of assistance to those in need, often in the form of money, commodities, or services, either directly or through charitable organizations or community projects. It is driven by compassion, charity, and a desire to better the lives of others. Here are some significant points about charity from an Islamic perspective:

1.       Zakat: Zakat is one of Islam's Five Pillars and is required of all financially sound Muslims. It entails donating a part (generally 2.5%) of one's money and assets to those in need, typically the poor, orphans, and those experiencing hardship. It is regarded as a tool for wealth purification and social justice.

2.       Sadaqah: Sadaqah, on the other hand, is self-giving charity motivated by compassion and generosity. Muslims are expected to provide Sadaqah on a regular basis to aid people in need, which can take many forms, such as contributing to the impoverished, supporting charity causes, or assisting individuals in need.

3.        Benefits/ Rewards: Charity is regarded as a desirable deed in Islam, and those who contribute for the sake of Allah are said to be rewarded both in this life and in the hereafter. It is a method of gaining blessings and purifying one's money.

4.       Community Assistance: In Islam, charity is defined as both individual acts and community support. It has a role to perform.

5.       Intentions (Niyyah): The purpose behind charitable giving is critical. Muslims are taught to donate sincerely and only for Allah's pleasure, without seeking recognition or material benefit.

6.       Sustainability: In Islam, there is an emphasis on long-term generosity, such as investing in initiatives that will benefit the community in the long run.

Overall, charity in Islam entails not just donating to the poor but also supporting social justice, cleansing one's possessions, and exhibiting compassion and kindness. It is a vital part of the faith and a way for Muslims to fulfill their obligation to help people in need.

There are certainly many passionate and heartfelt teachings on charity in Islam, as backed by Hadiths (sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him) and Quranic passages. Here are a couple such examples:

1. Sadaqah (Voluntary Charity) Hadith:

   "Save yourself from hellfire even by giving half a date-fruit in charity," said Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). (Bukhari Sahih)

This Hadith underlines the immense worth of even the smallest act of generosity. It reminds us that no act of giving is too small when done with sincerity.

2. Quranic Verse on the Impact of Charity:

"The example of those who spend their wealth in the Way of Allah is that of a grain that sprouts seven ears, with a hundred grains in each ear." As a result, Allah doubles the actions of whoever He pleases. Allah is All-Powerful and All-Knowing." (Quran 2:261)

This verse depicts the numerous benefits of charity in the eyes of Allah. A humanitarian deed can have a far-reaching and long-lasting impact, just as a single seed can generate a plentiful crop.

3. Hadith on Orphan Care: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated,

"I and the one who looks after an orphan will be like this in Paradise," separating his index and middle fingers. (Bukhari Sahih)

This Hadith emphasizes the significant benefit for caring for orphans, emphasizing the emotional link that charity can foster as well as the promise of a close position in Paradise.

4. Quranic Verse on Charity Kindness:

   "It is not righteousness that you turn your faces towards the East or the West, but righteousness is in one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the Angels, the Book, and the Prophets, and gives his wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves." (Quran 2:177)

This verse stresses the emotional side of generosity by noting the act of giving despite one's attachment to one's money, with a focus on assisting different types of individuals.

In short these Quranic and Hadithic teachings demonstrate that charity in Islam is about more than just donating money; it is also about intention, honesty, and the significant influence it may have on the lives of those in need. A major feature of Islamic charity is the emotional connection between the giver and the recipient, which represents the compassion and mercy that should be at the heart of these acts of generosity.

Let’s see as what impact we will have in our society if we give charity as a compulsion. Charity is a vital instrument for tackling many social concerns and can have a positive impact on a society; yet, it is not a complete answer for rooting out or eliminating all societal problems. Here are some key aspects to consider:

1. A mean of Systemic Solutions: Charity can provide immediate assistance to individuals or communities in need, but it frequently treats the symptoms of bigger systemic ills. Systemic solutions, such as government policy, education reform, and economic development, are frequently required to fully address societal issues.

2. Short-Term Relief: Charity can help individuals in urgent need, but it does not necessarily address the core causes of poverty, injustice, or other societal issues. Long-term solutions may necessitate bigger, long-term activities.

3. Awareness and Empathy: Charity work can improve social awareness and promote empathy in society. This can lead to a stronger push for systemic adjustments and reforms.

4. Community Development: Charitable contributions can help to develop communities and foster social harmony. Because it stimulates communal action, this can be a critical component in tackling societal concerns.

5. Spiritual and Moral importance: Many religious and moral systems place a high importance on charity. It promotes people to be compassionate and empathic, which can lead to a more peaceful society.

Concluding it we can say that, while charity can play an important role in easing immediate suffering and developing empathy and community building, it is often only one piece of the puzzle in tackling complicated societal problems. Long-term, sustainable solutions may require a combination of charity efforts, systemic improvements, and public and private initiatives working together to build a more just and equal society.

Importance of charity can be found in both Islamic and non-Islamic societies as its core essence lies in the betterment of individuals in particular and society as a whole in general.  Let’s see its importance in both one by one:

The Importance of Charity in Islam:

Charity is important in Islam and is known as "Sadaqah" or "Zakat." Here are some of the reasons why charity is vital in Islam:

1.       Spiritual Responsibility: Charity is one of Islam's Five Pillars, making it a vital religious obligation. Muslims believe that helping those in need brings them closer to Allah and purifies their wealth.

2. Property Distribution: Zakat, a type of required charity, is used to redistribute wealth within the Muslim community. It promotes social fairness by ensuring that people who are financially secure assist those who are in need.

3. Sincerity and Compassion: Charity should be given with sincerity, without regard for reward or praise. It's a method to show compassion and understanding for others who are less fortunate.

4. Purification of Wealth: In Islam, wealth is regarded as a gift from Allah, and charitable giving cleanses this gift, both ethically and spiritually.

 

Importance of Charity in The Western World:

1. Humanitarian Aid: Charity is important in Western societies, with numerous organizations and individuals helping humanitarian problems all over the world. It helps with disaster assistance, healthcare, education, and poverty reduction in a variety of countries.

2. Social Welfare: Many Western countries have substantial social welfare systems in place, which provide financial support to individuals in need. This can be viewed as a national type of charity aiming at decreasing poverty and ensuring a basic level of living.

3. Nonprofit Sector: In Western countries, the nonprofit sector is substantial, with groups focusing on a wide range of concerns ranging from healthcare to environmental conservation.

4. Tax Breaks /Relief: In several Western countries, people and organizations enjoy tax breaks for charitable contributions, which encourages them to give.

5. Corporate Social Responsibility: Many Western businesses participate in corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts, which frequently include philanthropic donations and support for community development projects.

In short we can say, Charity is used to redress social injustices, alleviate suffering, and promote compassion and empathy in both Islam and the Western world. While religious and cultural contexts may change, the overarching purpose of promoting the well-being of those in need remains similar.

BY: OVAIS ASAD KHAN