During the holy month of Ramadan, you might see so many Muslims distributing a large amount of charity or sadaqat. Of course, the purpose of those donations varies. Yet, it represents a significant Islamic heritage.
However, one question arises: What are the benefits of giving charity in Islam? Is it necessary? Isn’t charity a sin? But, most importantly, what part does charity play in Islamic culture? In today’s thread, we will try to address these basic questions. With the start of the holy month of Ramadan, you might need a fast refresher on this topic. You can check more info about Muslim welfare trust here.
Different Forms of charity in Islam.
However, before we get into the benefits of charity in Islam, it is important to note that so many types of charity in Islam. The variations and specifics of these modes are much too complicated to go into here. So, we will focus on two that are given special consideration – Zakat and sadaqah.
The primary distinction between these two types of charity is that of compulsion. Sadaqah is not mandatory, whereas zakat is. Zakat is 2.5 per cent of your taxable savings that you would pay no matter what. Sadaqah, on the other hand, has no clear guidelines.
It is a heroic act of helping humankind. Another distinction between the two is the essence of the two groups of charities. Zakat is a monetary contribution; sadaqah can or cannot be monetary.
Why is charity important in Islam?
Money is what keeps life going in today’s world. The longevity of our lives is highly reliant on these paper notes, that was once worthless! Islam is more than mere praying mats and rolled-up beads. It is, rather, a full code of ethics. Charity and Islamic injunctions have been heavily emphasised in Islam. In the following parts, we will discuss why charity is so important in Islam and what are the benefits of charity.
Charity will save you On the Day of Judgement!
None other than the Prophet Muhammad made the vow (PBUH). The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said in a hadith cited from Al-Tirmidhi:
On the Day of Resurrection, the believer’s shade will be his charity.” Al-Tirmidhi (Al-Tirmidhi: 604)
There will be a day where no one, even though they wished to, will be able to rescue you. The scorching temperatures that all humanity will have to endure will be absolutely intolerable. However, Allah (SWT) will not forget those who assisted their poor fellow humans in times of suffering and pain.
Charity circulates wealth in society.
This may be the most important aspect of charity in Islam in this present world. The poor receive their fair share of the rich’s wealth by zakat, fitrana, and sadaqah. The wonderful zakat system circulates capital in the system. This, in turn, leads to the abolition of inequality between the rich and the poor.
Charity protects you from the crisis.
According to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH),
“Give charity without delay, because it stands in the way of calamity.” (Al-Tirmidhi)
If your past has been littered with incidents and injuries that have caused you a great deal of pain, this is your ticket. You know what to do now, don’t you? We will assure you that donating a few dollars to charities in exchange for disaster insurance is not a bad deal at all!
The charity that never ends -Sadaqa e Jaria:
We’re sure you’ve heard the word sadaqah e jariya. And if you aren’t, let us assist you. A sadaqah e jariya is a type of charity that lasts forever. For example, a water pump built at a mosque because there was a water shortage. And other acts like this. This type of charity is extremely significant. It’s because this is something that continues long though you’ve left this world. However, the payment for your noble deed remains to be credited, even in the afterlife!
Conclusion
This discussion has only included a short overview of the importance and benefits of charity in Islam. We hope that after reading this short guide about the charity you’ll think about helping others especially the poor ones because sharing is caring.
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