Charity (Islam):
Giving to the poor is a Sunnah of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). He never asked a soul for anything for himself and was keen on helping out the poor without worrying about his own poverty. Charity has a lot of forms in Islam, the first one of which is Zakat which is the third pillar of Islam and compulsory on all able Muslims. Zakat amounts to 2.5% of all net yearly savings which includes the worth of jewellery. While giving charity, there are certain things that one must keep in mind that will maximize their rewards in this world and the hereafter. ALLAH (SWT) says "If you give charity openly it is a good thing; and if you do so secretly it is better for you than everything”. And furthermore, “and He will remove some of your sins. And Allah is Aware of what you do." (Qur'an 2:271).
As well as the indisputable benefits for those receiving charity, Islam also highlights the spiritual need of those with wealth to give some of it away selflessly. It helps Muslims to remember that they are humble before Allah, and that every blessing they have in this life comes from Him – therefore they must not hoard it, but recognise that He wishes for us to be compassionate and share our provisions with our brothers and sisters in humanity. Indeed, the Qur’an warns against any feelings of pride, or reminding others of the charity one has given: “you who believe, do not cancel out your charitable deeds with reminders and hurtful words” (2:262). It also reminds us that there is a “recognised right, for the needy and deprived” over our wealth (70:24-5), so by giving, a Muslim is fulfilling a duty to those in need, preventing him or her from becoming proud of their own generosity.
