Charity is something we often think is just giving money to help those struggling. But, as Meriem Webster defines it, it is much more. It is “generosity and helpfulness especially toward the needy or suffering”, meaning to be generous and to help someone, is to commit an act of charity.
Islam puts even more emphasis on charity, with it being one of the five pillars of Islam and carrying a very large reward.
Surah Maa’rij reminds us that the beggar and the poor have a rightful share of our wealth [70:24-25], and by giving to those in need, we receive abundantly “like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains.” [2:261]
On top of the beautiful benefits that Allah (SWT) gives to us, what are the other benefits of giving in charity?
- Your money makes a real impact in the lives of those that are struggling.
- You feel good, as you actually have a release of the dopamine chemical from doing something beneficial for others.
- It strengthens your personal and Islamic values, because you are able to take the words of Allah (SWT) and put them into action. You also feel empowered by the ability to help change other people’s lives, with what you have.
- By supporting a charity, you set an example for others to follow, which, in turn, helps more people who are going through hardship.
- Giving, whether done locally or globally, strengthens community ties. This may be the ties within your local community or with other communities around the world through the support you provide.
- Giving makes you more grateful for what you have. When you see how little others have or the huge challenges they are going through, you automatically reflect on your own life, consciously reminding yourself of the amazing blessings you possess.
- By helping one person, you often help many more. For example, if you provide a woman with a sewing machine and teach her how to sew, you are not just helping that woman. You are also helping her family to have a sustainable income and on top of that, you are helping other women who she can then teach.
And giving in charity doesn’t necessarily mean donating in huge amounts. It doesn’t even mean donating! You can volunteer with us hopewelfaretrust.org/getinvolved or donate a small amount regularly as ‘the acts most pleasing to Allah are those done consistently, even if small’ Sahih Muslim 783b
Alhamdulillah, with Hope Welfare Trust, 100% of your donations go to the beneficiaries.