"Who is he that will loan to Allah a beautiful loan
which Allah will double unto his credit and multiply it many times?" (Qur'an 2 verse 245)
As we all know the month of Ramadan is a blessed month and unlike all other months the good deeds of man is rewarded in many folds by Allah, hence the need for all Muslims to increase their good deeds so as to avail themselves of the abundant rewards during this month. Charity is one of the important acts highly recommended to us as Muslims. Allah (SWT) said: "The likeness of those who spend their money for Allah's sake, is as the likeness of a grain (of corn), it grows seven ears, every single ear has a hundred grains, and Allah multiplies (increases the reward) for whom He wills, and Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures needs, All Knower." (Q2:261)
The giving of charity also purifies and increases the blessing in our income. The amount of money we have or earn is not what really matters but what we do with our earnings. Earning and spending are relative to needs. Allah judges you equitable taking account of your efforts within your personal circumstances. Allah (SWT) said, "Whoever works righteousness, whether a male or a female, while he (or she) is a true believer, verily to him We will give a good life (in this world with respect, contentment and lawful provision), and We shall pay them certainly a reward in proportion to the best of what they used to do." (Q16:97) The Prophet (PBUH) once said to his companions, "One Dirham could be better in reward than one hundred thousand Dirhams!" A man asked, "And how is that, messenger of Allah?!" He (PBUH) replied, "A wealthy man takes one hundred thousand Dirhams which is one part of his wealth and gives it as a charity, while a poor man who only has two Dirhams pays one of them as a charity."
For the charity to be acceptable as an act of iba'dah (worship) and to reap the full benefit of the reward, there are certain etiquettes to abide by. First, a Muslim is expected to give from a lawful source of earned income. Allah (SWT) says: "O' ye who believe, spend from what you (lawfully) earned" (Q2:267). Secondly, sincere intention is very vital, a Muslim must when giving out charity intend for it to be for the sake of Allah. 'Umar bin Al-Khattab said: I heard Allah's Messenger of Allah saying, "The reward of deeds depends upon the intentions and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended. So whoever emigrated for worldly benefits or for a woman to marry, his emigration was for what he emigrated for." (Bukhari)
Further, it is better and more rewarding to give out of what you love, not your waste. True faith is in giving out what means something to you. Allah (SWT) says: "By no means shall you attain righteousness unless you give (freely as a charity) from that which you love; and whatever you spend Allah knows it well." (Q3:92) When this verse was revealed, a companion called Abu Talha (who owned the greatest wealth of date-palms amongst the Ansar in Medina) was worried. Instantly he choose to give out his most prized possession Bairuha' (his garden) which was situated opposite the Mosque (of the Prophet). On that the Prophet said, "Well Done! It is a profitable property. However, I have heard what you have said, and I recommend that you distribute this amongst your relatives." On that Abu Talha said, "O Allah's Messenger! I will do (as you have suggested)." So, Abu Talha distributed that garden amongst his relatives and cousins. (Bukhari)
Also, charity should be given without any expectation or anticipation that the benefactor would return the favour in future. Don’t even expect a “Thank You.” “And they give food (in spite of their love for it) to the poor, the orphan and the captive. Saying; we feed you seeking Allah's countenance only, we wish for no reward nor thanks from you." (Q76:8-9)
If we truly know the importance of charity, we will seek out recipients even if it means travelling long distance. For instance, whereas what we spend on ourselves (material pleasures) vanishes upon death, what we give in charity goes with us to the Hereafter. The Prophet (PBUH) was reported to have said, "Save yourself from Hell-fire even by giving half a date-fruit in charity." (Bukhari)
Charity given with one hand so that the other hand is unaware is the best. This prevents riya’a (show off). Whoever is discreet with their charity would be amongst those who will be shaded by Allah on the day of Judgement. (Bukhari)
A charitable Muslim should not misuse the privilege Allah have given him or her by taking advantage of the beneficiaries, nor taunt them with a remind them of the charity. Allah (SWT) says: "O you who believe, cancel not your charities by reminders of your generosity, or by harm." (Q2:264)
Sometimes you are suspicious, or simply don’t feel inclined to give in charity or you actually can’t afford to give, then only say a kind word to the needy, do not by any mean hurt their feelings. Allah SWT said, "Kind words and forgiveness are better than a charity followed by injury." (Q2:263)
A man came to the Prophet (PBUH) and asked, "O Messenger of Allah! Which charity is the most superior in reward?" He replied, "The charity which you practice while you are healthy, niggardly and afraid of poverty and wish to become wealthy. Do not delay it to the time of approaching death and then say, 'Give so much to such and such, and so much to such and such.' And it has already belonged to such and such (as it is too late)." (Bukhari)
- Contributed by Abdul-Ghanniy Abu Iman, UK.
Quote of the Day
"You see the believers as regards their being merciful among themselves
and showing love among themselves and being kind, resembling one body,
so that, if any part of the body is not well then the whole body shares the sleeplessness (insomnia) and fever with it." (Bukhari)
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