As Muslims, we’ve all heard the word ‘charity’. It is a cornerstone of our faith. We hear this word throughout all our lives and even more so in the month of Ramadan. Our TVs and masjids talk about the importance of charity, often raising for essential causes that target the most vulnerable in our Ummah.
The emphasis on giving in charity is, no doubt, seen as a huge importance in Islam. In fact, Muslims are said to give more money to charity than people of other religions, demonstrating the eagerness and commitment in fulfilling this action.
Statistics back this up
It is estimated that Muslim charities in the UK will raise £4bn by 2051. [1]
With the amazing efforts of our Ummah in donating, collecting, and distributing Sadaqah and Zakat, it is important that we never forget the bigger reason behind why we are doing this and what really constitutes the best types of charity in our religion.
In this article, I explore what charity means to us as Muslims, what makes us so eager to give charity, and what are the best ways to give charity as prescribed by our religion.
Allah (subḥānahu wa ta’āla) commands Muslims to give charity
Primarily, Muslims are encouraged (and sometimes obligated through Zakat) to give charity through the commandments of Allah (subḥānahu wa ta’āla) and His Messenger (ﷺ). This intention is an integral part in giving to charity and the act of charity creates an avenue for multiple rewards.
مَّثَلُ ٱلَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ أَمْوَٰلَهُمْ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ كَمَثَلِ حَبَّةٍ أَنۢبَتَتْ سَبْعَ سَنَابِلَ فِى كُلِّ سُنۢبُلَةٍۢ مِّا۟ئَةُ حَبَّةٍۢ
“Those who spend their wealth in Allah’s cause are like grains of corn which produce seven ears, each bearing a hundred grains…” [2]
مَّن ذَا ٱلَّذِى يُقْرِضُ ٱللَّهَ قَرْضًا حَسَنًۭا فَيُضَـٰعِفَهُۥ لَهُۥٓ أَضْعَافًۭا كَثِيرَةًۭ ۚ وَٱللَّهُ يَقْبِضُ وَيَبْصُۜطُ وَإِلَيْهِ تُرْجَعُونَ
“Who is it that would loan Allah a goodly loan, so He may multiply it for him many times over? And it is Allah who withholds and grants abundance, and to Him, you will be returned.” [3]
Often, we can get so used to giving to charity, that it can become a passive act without its primary connection being to the One who initially commands for us to give to charity.
Of course, this could still mean that one has a generous intention to uplift and accommodate destitute people around the world. But from a spiritual aspect, what is the value of connecting the act of charity to Allah (subḥānahu wa ta’āla), first and foremost?
Allah (subḥānahu wa ta’āla) associates charity as a ‘loan’ given to Him, reinforcing its heaviness on the scale of good deeds. When a person performs the act solely for Allah (subḥānahu wa ta’āla), the byproduct from this intention is that it contributes towards the giver’s spiritual growth and wellbeing in both worlds. Alongside this, the act is rewarded in magnitude, as Allah (subḥānahu wa ta’āla) states that He will multiply this ‘loan’ in return.
It is clear, then, that charity is a fundamental aspect of our religion, but how can we maximise our giving and seek the types of charity that are the most pleasing and beneficial?
Let’s explore.
The best types of charity
1 | Giving to a hungry person
In one reported ḥadīth, we find that the Prophet (ﷺ) stressed the importance of feeding the hungry:
“The best charity is to satisfy a hungry person.” [*]
This ḥadīth specifically describes a particular recipient of charity and his condition which makes him qualify for a Muslim’s charity.
He (ﷺ) also said,
“No wealth (of a servant of Allah) is decreased because of charity.” [4]
The value of giving is weighed heavily through the assurance that the giver’s wealth will not be reduced in return.
We all know that eating adequate meals is a basic human need. When we miss a meal, we’ve under-eaten, or even when we are fasting, we learn to appreciate this even more. Although we don’t fast for this reason, the hunger pangs and the lack of energy and restlessness are all enough for us to understand the bare minimum of what a hungry, poorer person may endure.
This makes it a moral imperative to give to the hungry, as advised by the Prophet (ﷺ). In turn, the giver will not only build awareness of the situation of people who are deprived of food and drink, but they will also develop a sense of empathy for them, and grow in gratitude for their own provision in comparison to the state of the many that are suffering from hunger.
2 | Giving a drink of water
In another ḥadīth, we are informed about the consumption of water by the recipient as the ‘best’ type of charity.
It was narrated that Sa’d ibn ‘Ubadah said,
“I said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, my mother has died. Shall I give charity on her behalf?’
The Prophet (ﷺ), said, ‘Yes.’
I asked, ‘Which charity is best?’
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, ‘A drink of water.'” [5]
The significance of water being the best type of charity is further emphasised by the situation the Prophet (ﷺ) advised this in: when giving charity on behalf of the deceased. Though this act is not limited to giving on behalf of the one who has passed, it’s interesting to find that a necessity that gives life could simultaneously benefit the one who no longer lives, through the spiritual impact of giving.
Moreover, there are profound benefits through giving water, and its purpose reflects being the ‘best’ type of charity. Water is a necessity to live. It’s a crucial necessity for both health and sanitation.
And yet, millions of people suffer from a shortage of water, or even unsafe water, in impoverished areas. Contaminated water is at high risk of diseases such as cholera, typhoid, polio, and many others. The impact water has on a global level therefore sheds importance on giving this drink as charity.
3 | Giving to an estranged relative
The Prophet (ﷺ) also stressed the importance of giving charity to one’s family members. In response to being asked about the ‘best’ type of charity, it was reported by Hakim ibn Hizam that,
“A man asked the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), ‘What act of charity is best?’
“The Prophet (ﷺ) said, ‘One given to an estranged relative.'” [6]
By connecting with relatives through the act of charity, the Prophet (ﷺ) expressed this also as a way of upholding ties with family.
It was narrated from Salman ibn ‘Amir that the Prophet (ﷺ) said,
“Giving charity to a poor person is charity, and (giving) to a relative is two things, charity and upholding the ties of kinship.” [7]
In addition, the Prophet (ﷺ) included our families as benefactors in charity.
The emotional and physical responsibility here brings one closer to their family members, hence an act that benefits the family in the long-term. Through the act of charity within one’s family, family ties are strengthened, family bridges are maintained, and the recipients are aware of the care and awareness given to them.
4 | Assisting travellers, & aiding someone in the way of Allah (subḥānahu wa ta’āla)
The best type of charity isn’t limited to the one who is destitute, or one’s family.
In a ḥadīth narrated by Thawban, the Prophet (ﷺ) said,
“The best coin for a man to spend is the coin spent on his dependants, and the coin spent by a man on his mount in the way of Allah, and the coin spent by a man on his companions in the way of Allah.” [8]
This shows that the best type of charity could also be in support of a traveller or one’s companions, who intend to perform actions purely for Allah’s pleasure. To assist a person in the way of Allah (subḥānahu wa ta’āla) is highly regarded, and encourages a Muslim to support through charity in this noble venture.
This also makes the giver of charity feel a part of the cause that the traveller is travelling for, or the actions their companions are taking to get closer to Allah (subḥānahu wa ta’āla). As a result, a sense of brotherhood is established through the giving in the sake of Allah (subḥānahu wa ta’āla) for each other, and unity is maintained through such companionships.
5 | Giving early
Abu Hurayrah reported,
“A man came to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and he said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, which charity has the greatest reward?’
“The Prophet (ﷺ) said, ‘That you give charity while you are healthy, greedy, fearing poverty, and hoping to be rich. Do not delay giving until you are on your deathbed, then say it is for such a person. It already belongs to that person.’” [9]
Often, we go through life thinking that we will all pass away at old age and just before we do, we will donate all, if not a majority of our assets to philanthropic causes as a way to gain great reward.
Whilst there is certainly reward in this, Islam flips this ideal on its head by underlining that it is an even greater reward to give when younger and healthier, when hoping to be rich. This is perhaps seen as a bigger form of sacrifice than in old age and something that is more pleasing to Allah.
Q: Is it always preferable to give wealth to charity?
A: Though these acts of charity are extremely virtuous in of themselves, there is one circumstance in which it is preferable to do something else with your wealth that is more pleasing to Allah. And that is one’s inheritance. In Islam, only 1/3 of our wealth can be given onto charitable endeavours when we pass away and this links back to our belief that as Muslims, we are merely custodians of wealth and that simply put; Allah is the true owner of wealth and has already allocated a significant portion of our wealth to whom he wills.
Overall, it’s very interesting to see that the Prophet (ﷺ) noted many different actions of charity that were considered to be the best. To understand the wisdom of these aḥadīth, we must look at them and consider them as a collective and what they stand for.
Feeding the poor, providing drinking water, aiding someone in the way of Allah: what are they fundamentally doing? You could argue that they are helping to preserve Islam. They are ensuring that people don’t turn away from Islam in times of desperation when food/ drink is short, or that they are feeling hopeless with no-one to turn towards. The types of charity that is ‘best’ are all acts of sustaining the Dīn, and in an era where social and sustainable investing has started to shift the landscape of how we think about investing, Islam provided this bedrock over 1,400 years ago.
Giving ongoing charity (Sadaqah Jāriyah)
One of the blessings of being able to give charity in Islam is that a Muslim is able to give a charity in which its benefits are continuous, even after one has passed away. In Arabic, the term is described as Sadaqah Jāriyah and there are many different ways of giving charity in this way.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“When a man dies, all his good deeds come to an end except three: ongoing charity (Sadaqah Jāriyah), beneficial knowledge, and a righteous son who prays for him.” [10]
There are many practical examples of Sadaqah Jāriyah that we can apply in our everyday lives.
Funding a water well that continuously supplies water, sponsoring a child with the gift of education, and helping towards the construction of a masjid are all acts of continuous charity that we can carry out through utilising our money.
Endowments (Waqf)
Waqf is another important category of continuous charity.
Also known as endowment, it is a philanthropic deed whereby a Muslim donates specific assets, such as land or cash to be invested, for which the proceeds serve society in perpetuity. The donor gives up all rights to those assets and future returns, so that they may be utilised in charity forever.
Jābir ibn Abdullāh said,
“Every Companion who had the capacity, established a Waqf.” [11]
The use of Waqf in early Islamic civilisation helped to feed communities through cultivated lands, establish schools, hospitals, and much of the early infrastructure in the Muslim World. Indeed, at its height, Waqf was a part of the fabric of Muslim society. There was a Waqf for every conceivable need and Waqf played a role in financing scientific and entrepreneurial endeavors.
Arguably the most famous Waqf of all, the well of Uthmān ibn Affān (raḍiy Allāhu ʿanhu), was established at the time of the Prophet (ﷺ). The dates which grew around this land are to this day, still sold in the markets and proceeds are divided towards the orphans and the poor and a special bank account in the name of Uthmān ibn Affān, which is overseen by the Ministry of Endowments. The funds in this account have been used to buy land in the central area of the city next to the Prophet’s mosque (ﷺ), along with the construction of a hotel. The land is also officially registered in the local municipality under the name of Uthmān ibn Affān.
When we invest our money for financial gain, we are always seeking the most optimal return, but the way in which we are honoured by Allah (subḥānahu wa ta’āla) through this form of charity allows us easy access to the best and most optimal return: everlasting good deeds. It is therefore essential that we carry out these good deeds in the best manner.
The etiquette of giving charity
Whilst we have been introduced to various ways of giving charity, it’s important to consider how acts of charity deliver benefit on a greater scale, impacting one’s action, character, and those around them.
The act of giving is one that humbles and educates a Muslim on morals and ethics towards themselves and others. The following aḥadīth explain this beautiful concept further.
1 | Giving in secret
The Prophet (ﷺ) shares the news of those who will be shaded on the Day of Judgment,
“There are seven whom Allah (subḥānahu wa ta’āla) will shade on the Day of Judgment … A man who gives in charity and hides it, such that his left hand does not know what his right hand gives in charity; and a man who remembered Allah in private and so his eyes shed tears.” [12]
Keeping one’s act of charity a secret humbles them, and saves them from feeling an atom’s weight of pride for this action. Giving charity should always be given primarily for Allah (subḥānahu wa ta’āla), hence keeping this act hidden gives reassurance that only a Muslim and his Lord are aware of the action.
This not only increases one in humility, but also preserves the dignity of the beneficiaries, allowing them to understand that it’s their right to receive such charity and not something they need to feel shy or inferior about.
2 | Giving the best of what we can
Another characteristic that a Muslim can gain from giving charity is to be selfless and caring towards others to the best of their abilities.
Awf ibn Mālik (raḍiy Allāhu ʿanhu) reported a situation wherein a man did not deliver a suitable item for his charity,
“The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) came to us in the mosque and he had a staff in his hand. A man among us had hung a bundle of brittle dates, so the Prophet (ﷺ) started striking that bundle with his staff and he said,
‘If he wished, he could have given better charity than this. Verily, the one who gave this in charity will eat brittle dates on the Day of Resurrection.’” [13]
Rather than seeing charity as a means of getting rid of items with defects or signs of wear and tear, the Sunnah places importance on giving from the best of what we can to others.
Learning from this ḥadīth should encourage us to give appropriately and with quality. This places focus on the way in which a Muslim gives, not just what they give. Intention is key, and this builds and develops generosity within the giver, for the betterment of his character.
The manner in which we give charity reflects the value that one captivates in his heart, both for the act being for their Lord and for the benefit of the beneficiary.
On one occasion, it is narrated that A’ishah (raḍiy Allāhu ʿanha) would perfume her coins in musk before giving them to charity. She elaborated on this unique gesture by saying that the charity reaches Allah (subḥānahu wa ta’āla) before it ever touches the hand of the person in need.
This shows how connected A’ishah (raḍiy Allāhu ʿanha) was to Allah (subḥānahu wa ta’āla), and that the act that she was doing was purely to please Him (subḥānahu wa ta’āla) before all else.
How many times do we give charity passively, or in haste? It’s worthy to reflect on the manner in which we give our charity; do we do this with kindness? Do we pause for a moment and regard this as an act that is loved in the Heavens?
3 | Giving with consistency
The beauty of giving charity in Islam is that a Muslim is advised to give consistently.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said,
“Take up good deeds only as much as you are able, for the best deeds are those done regularly even if they are few.” [14]
We’ve explored the many ways that charity has a great positive impact on one’s character and others. This reinforces the benefits on a larger scale, if such acts of charity were given regularly.
The beauty of this ḥadīth emphasises a special meaning in Islam. The rewards of our charity are not just about how much we are giving. We have already talked about the importance of intention, but this ḥadīth highlights that even if we are giving a small amount of charity, this is something pleasing in the Eyes of Allah (subḥānahu wa ta’āla) and something we should take great comfort in.
How the people of the past used to give charity
The people of the past mostly had the intention to compete with one another in doing good, in respect to connecting with Allah (subḥānahu wa ta’āla) for the next life.
Ibn Rajab stated that when the companions heard the Words of Allah (subḥānahu wa ta’āla)…
“So hasten toward all that is good.” [15]
“And march forth quickly in the way to forgiveness from your Lord, and for Paradise as wide as the Heavens and Earth…” [16]
…they understood that it meant each one of them should strive to be first (in doing good) before others, for a noble place and lofty rank.
Ibn Rajab further explains that even if one of the companions were to see someone else doing something he wasn’t capable of, he feared that his companion who did that act would outstrip him.
They’d often feel aggrieved, just because they were outdone in performing a good act. They’d compete with each other for the ranks of the Hereafter and race to them, and not for worldly gain.
Loans as a force for good
When we think of loans in today’s world, it is difficult to see it as being a force for good. Interest-based loans are oppressive to society and are a driving force for social inequality and unrest.
In Islam, however, the only form of loan that is permitted is a Qard Hasan. A non-interest based loan, it is an act of benevolence to help those needing financial assistance. Though it is not a charity in the way we define it, it is an incredibly rewarding act that our wealth will allow us to partake in.
“Establish regular prayer and give regular charity and give Allah a good loan (Qard Hasan).” [17]
The fact that it is mentioned in the same āyah as prayer and charity highlights the virtues of Qard Hasan.
It is not merely seen as a transaction between two parties but also between oneself and Allah (subḥānahu wa ta’āla) directly. It is referenced in the above āyah, as well as several others where its tremendous reward is shown to us.
Here are just three examples:
- “…and give to Allah Qard Hasan…” [18]
- “Who will lend to Allah a Qard Hasan which Allah will multiply many times over? It is Allah alone who decreases and increases wealth…” [19]
- “Who is it that will give Allah a beautiful loan? A loan that Allah will repay after increasing it many times and grant him a generous reward.” [20]
The Prophet (ﷺ) said on Qard Hasan, that there are two gains in it: half of the money that was extended as a Qard would be considered Sadaqah, and the second being that your money would be returned to you.
Closing words
It is clear, then, that charity isn’t a basic, meaningless act to just physically give to the needy.
Charity is an essential cog in our spirituality as Muslims, and it is also an essential mechanism in the Muslim economy, redistributing wealth, and creating a more equitable society.
This works well in promoting economic justice between the givers of charity and the recipients. Looking after the basic needs of people, as well as tailoring one’s attitude into providing financial and moral support to their families makes one mindful of the needs of those close to them, too.
The Qur’ān and Sunnah of the Prophet (ﷺ) express the seriousness to give with a pure heart and to be wary of how beloved this act is to Allah (subḥānahu wa ta’āla) and His Messenger (ﷺ).
We, as Muslims, are privileged to have several different ways to give charity, and even within this, we encounter a separate category of the ‘best types of charity’ that display greater, noble rewards benefiting Muslims in both worlds.
We should also be mindful of the manner in which we give charity. There is great reward, not only in the causes we donate to, but also the conduct we hold ourselves to, when giving charity.
In a society of plurality in behaviour and individualisation, giving charity contributes to the development of every individual’s character, encouraging them to have generosity, humility, and awareness of those who are less fortunate.
Additionally, this promotes social capital, allowing positive connections to be present between each individual, regardless of social status. Whilst this article has aimed to show some of the different forms of charity that are the most rewarding, it isn’t an exhaustive list, and is contextual. Helping the oppressed in their time of need or bringing someone to Islam are hugely rewarding acts that we know of, but may not necessarily associate with charity.
Despite everything written above, I would still advise everyone, on top of any specific causes you would like to support, to be in the habit of just giving, keeping some money aside that you can give to different causes that you come across, or simply because you are asked. Often, we think of charity as what it can do for the recipients and forget the impact it can have on us. So giving to causes, even though we may not have intended, is a good way of keeping sincere and doing acts solely seeking Allah’s pleasure.
Source: Islam21c
Notes
[2] al-Qur’ān, 2:261
[3] al-Qur’ān, 2:245
[*] Citation missing
[4] https://sunnah.com/muslim:2588
[5] https://sunnah.com/nasai:3665
[6] https://www.abuaminaelias.com/dailyhadithonline/2019/08/18/best-sadaqah-silat-rahim/
[7] https://sunnah.com/nasai:2582
[8] https://www.abuaminaelias.com/dailyhadithonline/2013/12/12/best-sadaqah-family/
[9] https://www.abuaminaelias.com/dailyhadithonline/2012/08/16/best-sadaqah-tazkiyyah/
[10] https://sunnah.com/nasai:3651
[11] al-Mughni by Ibn Qudāmah
[12] https://sunnah.com/bukhari:1423
[13] https://www.abuaminaelias.com/al-mundhiri-on-giving-voluntary-charity/
[14] https://sunnah.com/ibnmajah:4240
[15] al-Qur’ān, 2:148
[16] al-Qur’ān, 3:133
[17] al-Qur’ān, 73:20
[18] al-Qur’ān, 5:12
[19] al-Qur’ān, 2:245
[20] al-Qur’ān, 57:11