Charity, known as Sadaqah in Islam, is a fundamental practice that reflects compassion and faith. It includes obligatory Zakat, voluntary Sadaqah, and Sadaqah Jariyah, which continues to benefit the giver after death. The Quran and hadiths, like those from Bukhari and Muslim, highlight its importance for spiritual growth and community welfare.
Overview and Significance
Charity, or Sadaqah, is deeply embedded in Islamic teachings, reflecting the faith’s emphasis on compassion, generosity, and social responsibility. It is not merely a financial transaction but a spiritual act that aligns with the core principles of Islam, promising rewards in this life and the hereafter. The Quran frequently mentions charity, underscoring its role in attaining righteousness and pleasing Allah. For instance, Quran 2:261 states:
“The example of those who spend their wealth in the cause of Allah is that of a grain that sprouts into seven ears, each bearing one hundred grains. And Allah multiplies the reward even more to whoever He wills. For Allah is All-Bountiful, All-Knowing.”
This verse illustrates the exponential spiritual rewards of giving, a theme echoed in hadiths from collections like Bukhari and Muslim. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was described as “more generous than the blowing wind” [Bukhari], setting an exemplary model for Muslims. Charity is thus both a duty and a means to draw closer to Allah, with mainstream scholarship emphasizing its obligatory and voluntary forms.
Forms of Charity in Islam
Charity in Islam is multifaceted, encompassing:
Zakat: An obligatory charity, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, calculated at 2.5% of accumulated wealth, including money, gold, silver, and trade goods. Quran 9:103 highlights its purifying effect: “Take from their wealth a charity to purify them and cleanse them thereby, and pray for them. Indeed, your prayers are reassurance for them. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing.”
Sadaqah: Voluntary charity that can be given at any time, in any amount, and includes non-monetary acts. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Every act of goodness is Sadaqah” [Muslim], extending to smiling at someone or helping others, as seen in, “Your smile for your brother is charity” [At-Tirmidhi].
Sadaqah Jariyah: Continuous charity with lasting benefits, such as building a mosque, digging a well, or planting a tree. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “When a man dies, his deeds come to an end except for three things: Sadaqah Jariyah (continuous charity), knowledge which is beneficial, or a virtuous descendant who prays for him” [Muslim]. This form ensures ongoing rewards after death, aligning with Quran 30:39: “Whatever you give in charity will be fully repaid by Allah, and He is the best Provider.”
These forms highlight the versatility of charity, with mainstream scholarship supporting their practice, though there may be minor differences in interpretation regarding specific recipients or conditions.
Charity During Life: Spiritual, Social, and Emotional Benefits
Giving charity during life offers multifaceted benefits, as supported by Islamic texts and contemporary understanding:
Spiritual Rewards: Charity is an act of worship that purifies wealth and expiates sins. Quran 33:35 lists charity among acts that earn forgiveness and great reward:
“Indeed, the men who practice charity and the women who practice charity, and the men who believe and the women who believe, and the men who are conscious of Allah and the women who are conscious of Allah, and the men who are truthful and the women who are truthful, and the men who are patient and the women who are patient, and the men who are humble and the women who are humble, and the men who give charity and the women who give charity, and the men who fast and the women who fast, and the men who guard their chastity and the women who guard their chastity, and the men who remember Allah much and the women who remember Allah much – for them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a great reward.”
Hadiths further reinforce this, such as, “Charity extinguishes sins like water extinguishes fire” [Ibn Majah], and “Give charity without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity” [Tirmidhi].
Social Benefits: Charity fosters community unity and alleviates poverty. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his charity” [Tirmidhi], suggesting its protective role in society. It strengthens bonds, as seen in, “Whoever brought his (Muslim) brother out of a discomfort, Allah will bring him out of the discomforts of the Day of Resurrection” [Bukhari].
Emotional Well-being: Research suggests that giving charity brings joy and satisfaction, with hadiths like, “Charity does not decrease wealth, and the servant who forgives, Allah adds to his respect” [Muslim], indicating psychological benefits. This aligns with modern studies linking generosity to improved mental health.
Charity After Death: The Legacy of Sadaqah Jariyah
Sadaqah Jariyah is particularly significant for its enduring impact, allowing Muslims to continue earning rewards after death. The concept is supported by hadiths such as, “Never does a Muslim plant a tree except that he has the reward of charity for him, for what is eaten out of that is charity; what is stolen out of that, what the beasts eat out of that, what the birds eat out of that is charity for him” [Sahih Muslim]. Examples include:
Building infrastructure like mosques, with the hadith, “He who builds a mosque for Allah, Allah would build for him (a house) in Paradise like it” [Sahih Muslim].
Educational contributions, such as writing beneficial books, aligning with, “The best among you is he who learns and teaches the Qur’ān” [Bukhari].
Quranic verses like Quran 14:31 encourage such acts:
“Tell My believing servants to establish prayer and donate from what We have provided for them—openly and secretly—before the arrival of a Day in which there will be no ransom or friendly connections.”
Historical examples include waqf endowments, where property is dedicated for perpetual charitable use, benefiting communities long-term.
Practical Application
In today’s world, charity remains vital, with modern Muslims leveraging technology and global connectivity. Trusted Online platforms facilitate donations, supporting causes like disaster relief and education. Local community support, such as food banks, and innovative Sadaqah Jariyah like digital libraries, ensure charity’s impact. This aligns with hadiths encouraging continuous giving, such as, “If you spend, son of Adam, I shall spend on you” [Bukhari and Muslim].
Conclusion and Reflection
Charity in Islam is a comprehensive practice, encompassing Zakat, Sadaqah, and Sadaqah Jariyah, with profound spiritual, social, and emotional benefits. It purifies wealth, fosters community, and ensures lasting legacy, as seen in Quranic verses like Quran 3:92:
“By no means shall you attain righteousness unless you give (freely) of that which you love. And whatever you spend; indeed, Allah is Knowing of it.”
Let us embrace charity as a way of life, making it a regular practice to give and share, knowing every act enriches our souls and draws us closer to Allah.
