What is the Need of Muslim Charity?

Muslims believe in Muslim charity that everything we are given is bestowed upon us by God (Allah) and therefore, nothing, not even our bodies, belong to us, but to God. We are merely trustees of these bounties and we are to use them in the best of ways, as God wills, to uplift the rest of His creation.

Muslim Charity is basically zakat or Sadaka in Arabic, is the third of the five Pillars of Islam and thus, a fundamental teaching of the Islamic faith. Being charitable and taking care of the weak and poor are essential aspects of the Muslim character. Charity is so important that it comes only after the declaration of faith (shahada) and prayer (salat).

The two other pillars are fasting during the month of Ramadan and the pilgrimage to Mecca (hajj) for every Muslim whose health and finances permit it. Charitable giving is one of the most important responsibilities in Islam because it impacts the welfare of the individual and society as a whole.

It is considered the noblest way of spending wealth. Charity is connected to generosity, a virtue that, not surprisingly, is central in Islam. It is considered a quality of the soul which Allah gives to those He loves, those who are not attached to material wealth and instead use what they are given to please God and, thereby, make the world a better place.

That is, it is not the generous person herself who possesses the attribute of generosity, but Allah who, because of His love for that person, causes her to be generous. This distinction is essential to understanding Islam as a whole.

Islamic Charity believes "The believer’s shade on the Day of Judgment will be his charitable acts" Nothing feels better than the act of giving that serves as a reminder that everything we have in this world is immaterial and never initially belonged to us in the first place.

Be like the Prophet (PBUH) and never forget the importance of giving charity in Islam, not only for the good of yourself but your acts of kindness will help to raise up everyone around you. Inequality and poverty cause hardships in many communities and this is part of the test that Allah (SWT) gives to those that are comfortable or financially stable; to ensure we share our temporary wealth with his creation and show compassion to those less fortunate; for our wealth was given to us by Him and it can also be taken from us by Him.

It is therefore upon us, as our duty, to help our fellow brothers and sisters in need and to share compassion for those who are suffering. Although generosity in giving to others and helping is a natural act of humanity – it is greatly rewarded in Islam, too.

Source

Ummah Hands is a registered UK charity. We are working in the UK and Bangladesh currently. It’s an humanitarian Muslim organization.