Arabian Tongue Institute Blog (Charity in Islam)

Charity in Islam

The word ‘charity’ is mentioned in the Quran at least 19 times stressing its importance in Islam. In fact, premodern Muslim societies were built on charity. ; charitable acts and gestures of kindness including helping those in need, sharing your wealth, supporting orphans, widows and more also hold great importance and emphasis in Quran.

Islam is made up of five core principles, known as the pillars of Islam. They are: Shahada, Salat, Zakat, Sawm and Hajj. Zakat refers to the obligatory giving of alms based on one’s income. The notion behind it is that if you reach the Nisab threshold, you earn enough to give back to brothers and sisters who are not so fortunate, and therefore Allah (SWT) demands that you sacrifice some of your personal wealth for the greater good. 

Inequality and poverty cause hardships in many communities and this is part of the test that Allah (SWT) gives to those that are comfortable or financially stable; to ensure we share our temporary wealth with his creation and show compassion to those less fortunate; for our wealth was given to us by Him and it can also be taken from us by Him.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stated: “A man is not a believer who fills his stomach while his neighbour is hungry.” This means that you are not a true Muslim or believer in Allah (SWT) if you fail to give to charity and show mercy to someone who is less fortunate than you. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also said:"The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his charity.” (Al-Tirmidhi: 604)

Charitable giving keeps calamity away and ensures our needs will always be met: “Those who spend in charity will be richly rewarded” (Quran 57:10). Indeed, wealth does not decrease by giving in charity, but rather, grows and is purified, increasing also the individual’s barakah (blessings and spiritual strength).