Zakat Foundation Charity is already well known for its charitable giving and providing aid to those in need. No matter the cause, the Zakat Foundation of America is always ready to provide the best care possible to all affected. Whether it is from natural causes, in times of crisis, and to those in poor conditions. Though charitable giving comes in all forms and shapes, Mulsim brothers and sisters should know that sometimes even a slight smile to someone is charitable giving! Charity is a key of the Islamic faith, a means of connecting with Allah, and a way to uplift those in need. The Prophet Muhammad beautifully explained the essence of charity when he said, “The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his charity” (Al-Tirmidhi).
That being said, we will guide you through the best ways to charitable giving!
Charity Giving: Tasbeeha
Even seemingly routine actions like Tasbeeha (remembrance of Allah) hold spiritual significance in Islam. The Prophet emphasized this by saying, “Has not Allah made things for you to give away in charity? Truly every tasbiha is a charity, every takbira is a charity, every tahmida is a charity, and every tahlila is a charity; to enjoin a good action is a charity, to forbid an evil action is a charity…” Engaging in these acts of remembrance is a way to give charity throughout your daily life continually.
Charity Giving Through Volunteering Your Time
Not everyone can afford to make substantial monetary contributions, but we all possess the invaluable gift of time. Volunteering is a powerful way to give back to the community and offer charity in a non-monetary form. By dedicating a few hours to your local mosque, community center, non-profit organization, homeless shelter, or school, you contribute to the welfare of society. This selfless act not only aids those in need but also deepens your connection with Allah and strengthens your faith.
Act of Charity by Picking Something Up from the Road
Acts of charity go beyond monetary contributions or volunteering. The Prophet Muhammad emphasized the importance of removing harm from the road, helping the needy, and guiding those in distress. He said, “The doors of goodness are many…enjoining good. Forbidding evil, removing harm from the road, listening to the deaf. To lead the blind, guiding one to the object of his need. Hurrying with the strength of one’s legs to one in sorrow. One who asks for help and supports the feeble with the strength of one’s arm. All of these are charity prescribed for you.” Thus, simple assistance and kindness, such as picking up an obstacle from the road, are considered charitable deeds in Islam.
Giving Heartfelt Advice
In life, we all face different challenges and trials. Providing advice and guidance to fellow Muslims is a form of charity. It is an act of sharing the knowledge and wisdom that Allah has bestowed upon you. The Prophet Muhammad affirmed this by saying, “Every act of goodness is charity.” Whether you advise a sister about her hijab, counsel a brother about the volume of his voice, or offer guidance to a friend regarding their prayer, you are engaging in charitable actions that spread knowledge and promote virtue.
Being Kind to One Another
Even the simplest acts of kindness are considered charity in Islam. As the Prophet Muhammad stated, “Your smile for your brother is charity.” Smiling, which involves the movement of 17 muscles, is an opportunity to draw closer to Paradise’s doors. Sharing your happiness through a warm smile can brighten the day of a fellow brother or sister, serving as a form of charity by passing on Allah’s blessings to others.
Monetary Charity
Monetary charity holds a central place in Islamic teachings. It is a direct and tangible way to extend a helping hand to those less fortunate. Whether giving to those in need or supporting the homeless. Contributing to reputable organizations like the Zakat Foundation of America, Sharing one’s wealth reflects a fundamental tenet of Islam. By offering money, we facilitate the immediate security of necessities like food, clothing, or school supplies for children.
Charity That Keeps On Giving
One noteworthy form of charity in Islam is Sadaqah Jaariyah or continuous charity. This type of charity continues to benefit individuals even after their passing. It encompasses many acts, including building schools, mosques, or houses for travelers and digging canals to provide water for communities. Every good deed, including financial contributions, can become an ongoing charity that benefits the giver even after they are no longer alive.
The variety of ways to give charity in Islam makes increasing one’s faith and giving charity extremely easy.
Zakat Foundation Charity – Why is Charity important in Islam?
Zakat, or charity, holds a significant place in Islam as the Third Pillar of the faith, reflecting a fundamental teaching. The essence of being charitable and providing for those in need is deeply embedded in the Muslim character.
But why is charity so important in Islam?
The harsh reality of countless individuals, Muslims and non-Muslims alike, facing starvation, poverty, hunger, and lack worldwide underscores. The urgency of putting this essential teaching into practice. Often, affluent Muslims may not fully grasp the potential of their wealth in uplifting entire communities. Giving charity correctly becomes essential for the well-being of those in need. A pivotal factor in the lasting happiness of the privileged. This principle, repeatedly emphasized by the Prophet, underscores the profound significance of charitable giving in Islam.
Zakat Charity Hadiths on the Qur’an
“Indeed, those men and women who give in charity and lend to Allah a good loan will have it multiplied for them, and they will have an honorable reward.” إِنَّٱلۡمُصَّدِّقِينَوَٱلۡمُصَّدِّقَٰتِوَأَقۡرَضُواْٱللَّهَقَرۡضًاحَسَنٗايُضَٰعَفُلَهُمۡوَلَهُمۡأَجۡرٞكَر١٨ Al-Hadid 57:18
“And there are some who had made a vow to Allah: “If He gives us from His bounty, we will surely spend in charity and be of the righteous.” وَمِنۡهُممَّنۡعَٰهَدَٱللَّهَلَئِنۡءَاتَىٰنَامِنفَضۡلِهِۦلَنَصَّدَّقَنَّوَلَنَكُونَنَّمِنَٱلصَّٰلِحِينَ٧٥ At-Tawbah 9:75
“There is no good in most of their secret talks—except those encouraging charity, kindness, or reconciliation between people. And whoever does this seeking Allah’s pleasure, We will grant them a great reward. ” لَّاخَيۡرَفِيكَثِيرٖمِّننَّجۡوَىٰهُمۡإِلَّامَنۡأَمَرَبِصَدَقَةٍأَوۡمَعۡرُوفٍأَوۡإِصۡلَٰحِۭبَيۡنَٱلنَّاسِۚوَمَنيَفۡعَلۡذَٰلِكَٱبۡتِغَآءَمَرۡضَاتِٱللَّهِفَسَوۡفَنُؤۡتِيهِأَجۡرًاعَظِيمٗا An-Nisa 4:114
“To give charity publicly is good, but to give to the poor privately is better for you, and will absolve you of your sins. And Allah is All-Aware of what you do.” إِنتُبۡدُواْٱلصَّدَقَٰتِفَنِعِمَّاهِيَۖوَإِنتُخۡفُوهَاوَتُؤۡتُوهَاٱلۡفُقَرَآءَفَهُوَخَيۡرٞلَّكُمۡۚوَيُكَفِّرُعَنكُممِّنسَيِّـَٔاتِكُمۡۗوَٱللَّهُبِمَاتَعۡمَلُونَخَبِيرٞ Al-Baqarah 2:271
“Take from their wealth ˹O Prophet˺ charity to purify and bless them, and pray for them—surely your prayer is a source of comfort for them. And Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. ” خُذۡمِنۡأَمۡوَٰلِهِمۡصَدَقَةٗتُطَهِّرُهُمۡوَتُزَكِّيهِمبِهَاوَصَلِّعَلَيۡهِمۡۖإِنَّصَلَوٰتَكَسَكَنٞلَّهُمۡۗوَٱللَّهُسَمِيعٌعَلِيمٌ At-Tawbah 9:103
Zakat Foundation of America Reflects on the Importance of Charity
The importance of charity in Islam cannot be overstated as reflected by the Zakat Foundation of America. It is a fundamental pillar of the faith, a means of connecting with Allah, and a way to uplift those in need. As we navigate the diverse avenues of charitable giving. Remember that charity goes beyond monetary contributions; it encompasses acts of kindness, offering guidance, volunteering our time, and even the simplest gestures like a smile.
The Prophet Muhammad’s teachings remind us that every good deed is a form of charity, no matter how small. Through these acts, we not only positively impact the lives of others but also strengthen our connection with Allah and deepen our faith. So, let us embrace charity in all forms. Knowing that it is a path towards a more compassionate, caring, and harmonious world. May our charitable actions bring blessings and multiply our rewards, as promised in the Qur’an and Hadiths. May they serve as a beacon of hope and love for all humanity.
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