Charity is one of the most highly regarded acts in Islam. Allah ﷻ not only commands His servants to give charity but also guarantees immense rewards and blessings for those who do so with sincerity. In the Quran, charity is often described as a pathway to draw closer to Allah and as a means to achieve blessings in life. It is also a testament to the gratitude and obedience of a Muslim for the countless favors bestowed by Allah.

Allah ﷻ says in the Quran:

"The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] that sprouts seven ears; in every ear are one hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills." (Surah Al-Baqarah: 261)

This verse underscores that acts of charity are not just valued in the eyes of Allah, but their rewards are multiplied many times over. For Muslims, this serves as a profound motivation to incorporate charity into their daily lives as a means of earning Allah's pleasure and blessings.

Main Content: Virtues of Charity and Allah’s Promises

1- Charity Brings Blessings to Wealth

One of Allah’s promises is that wealth spent in charity will never diminish; rather, it will bring blessings (barakah). Many fear that giving away their wealth might lead to loss, but Islam teaches the opposite. Charity, or zakat, becomes a pathway for increasing one’s provision. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: "Allah said: O son of Adam, spend, and I shall spend on you." (Hadith, Bukhari and Muslim)

This shows that giving charity demonstrates trust in Allah and an understanding that everything we have is a trust from Him. By giving to those in need, we affirm our gratitude to Allah and strengthen our reliance on Him.

2- Multiplied Rewards

In the Quran, Allah promises that the rewards for charity can be multiplied up to 700 times or more, depending on the sincerity and circumstances of the giver. "The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a grain that grows seven ears, each ear bearing a hundred grains." (Surah Al-Baqarah: 261)

This emphasizes the boundless generosity of Allah and His love for those who give in His way.

3- Charity Wipes Away Sins

Charity is also a means of cleansing one’s sins. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: "Charity extinguishes sins as water extinguishes fire." (Hadith, Tirmidhi) When a Muslim gives charity, it purifies their wealth and serves as an expiation for their mistakes, bringing them closer to Allah.

4- Love and Prayers from Angels

Allah ﷻ loves those who give charity, and His angels pray for them. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Every morning, two angels descend. One of them says, 'O Allah, compensate the giver.' And the other says, 'O Allah, destroy the wealth of the miser."(Hadith, Bukhari and Muslim) This shows that those who are generous earn not only Allah’s pleasure but also the prayers of His angels.

5- Protection on the Day of Judgment

The Prophet ﷺ said: "A believer’s shade on the Day of Judgment will be their charity." (Hadith, Ahmad) Charity in this world becomes a shield and a source of protection in the Hereafter.

Etiquettes of Charity

Islam places great emphasis on how charity should be given. Here are some guidelines to ensure that charity is meaningful and acceptable to Allah:

1- Sincerity (Ikhlas)

Charity should be given solely for the sake of Allah, not for show or praise from others. Any form of showing off or insincerity invalidates the reward.

2- Avoid Hurting the Recipient

Allah ﷻ says: "O you who have believed, do not invalidate your charities with reminders or injury [to the recipient]." (Surah Al-Baqarah: 264) Kindness and humility are essential when giving charity.

3- Give the Best

Charity should come from what we love and value, not from leftovers or things we no longer need. "You will not attain righteousness until you spend out of that which you love." (Surah Aal-E-Imran: 92)

4- Start with Family

The Prophet ﷺ said: "The best of charity is that which is given to one’s family in need." (Hadith, Bukhari)

An Inspiring Story: Abu Dahdah’s Generosity

There is a famous story about a companion of the Prophet ﷺ, Abu Dahdah. When he heard about the immense rewards of charity in Islam, he approached the Prophet ﷺ and offered his most prized possession—a lush and expansive orchard. He asked the Prophet ﷺ if Allah would accept his charity. The Prophet ﷺ replied: "Yes, and Allah has prepared for you many gardens in Paradise." This act of selflessness and unwavering trust in Allah showcases the spirit of true charity.

Conclusion

Charity is a fundamental pillar of Islam and one of the most beloved acts in the sight of Allah. It is not merely about giving material wealth but a profound act of worship that brings spiritual, emotional, and societal benefits. Through charity, a Muslim fulfills their duty to Allah, helps those in need, and secures countless rewards in this world and the Hereafter.

Allah ﷻ says: "And whatever you spend in charity, Allah will compensate it. He is the Best of Providers." (Surah Saba: 39)

Let us embrace the spirit of charity by consistently giving for the sake of Allah. Whether through zakat, donations near me, or supporting goodwill causes, every act of generosity brings us closer to Allah’s mercy and blessings.

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