What Is The Importance Of Charity Essay

Islam –the only true religion with Allah and its beauty is in obeying the commands of Al Mighty Allah. The essence of Islam is in the unique brotherhood, the bond that cements the community. Islam encourages us to look up to our brothers in community and family kins. A true Muslim always takes pride in helping his fellow Muslim in times of dire need.

Prophet Mohammed ﷺ said, “you will not believe until you love for your brother what you love for yourself.”1(Sahih Muslim, 45 a) Charity is an important aspect of Islamic society, as it’s a way of attaining financial as well as social balance in the community and more importantly achiving Allah’s pleasure. Allah has stressed so much on giving of charity and generosity, that Allah made giving

It was narrated by Abu Hurayrah (RA) that Prophet Mohammed ﷺ said, “Whoever gives charity equal to a date from good earnings- for Allah does not accept anything but that which is good- Allah will take it in his right hand and tend it for the one who gave it as any one of you tends his foal, until it becomes like a mountain.”2(Sahih al Bukhari, 1410)

Giving charity has multifold virtues and benefits, it is a source of purification and protection from hellfire. Prophet Mohammed ﷺ said, “Save yourself from hellfire by giving even half a date fruit in charity.”3 (Sahih al Bukhari, 1411)

Charity is also a cure for worries and grieves. Allah says in Quran, “Those who spend their wealth by night and day, secretly and publicly- they will have their reward with their Lord. And no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve.” (Quran,

Zakaat is a way to ‘ purifing our soul and money’3. It is obligatory charity to be paid on specific items such as cattle, harvest, gold, silver and trading commodities. In case of cattle, money and trading commodities It is to be paid on when a complete lunar year has passed on it and it meets the minimum threshold (nisaab). While for consumable items it is to be given when the crop is ripe and harvested. There are varies percentages to be paid for every category. Zakaat can be received only by Muslims, Allah has explained eight categories for the distribution of Zakaat funds;

1. The poor who cannot sustain his basic needs.

2. The destitute or people with no source of income.

3. The Zakaat collector.

4. New Muslims or non Muslims, to bring their hearts together for Islam.

2 Sahih al Bukhari, vol.2, Book 24, Hadith 491

3 Sahih al Bukhari, Vol 2, Book 24, Hadith 492

5. To free slaves or prisoners or their families.

6. People who are under heavy debts and

7. In the cause of Allah, Public Treasury of Muslim.

8. Travelers who may need some help to reach their