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Charity, The Path to Happiness and Peace

Charity is not just a great humanitarian deed; it also speaks volumes about the person giving. There is a reason why charity is one of the greatest virtues of humankind and is acknowledged to be so in all the religions of the world.

Islam teaches people to get involved in charitable causes. In fact, this act is encouraged in Islam, according to the Holy Qur’an. There are a number of verses in which Allah (SWT) has clearly told His followers that he loves those who give charity from whatever amount of money or resource they have.

Charity, The Path to Happiness and Peace

"You cannot attain righteousness unless you spend (in charity) out of what you love." (The Holy Qur’an 3:92)

After prayer, giving to charity or Zakat is a fundamental part of working to become a good Muslim. Make sure that you are fulfilling that obligation.

Happiness and Giving

As one of the Five Pillars of Islam, the act of giving is woven into every aspect of a Muslim’s life, and if followed correctly, the individual will find peace in charity.

That said, there is science behind the act as well. Studies have demonstrated definite links between happiness and giving. Even the smallest act can trigger a release of the ‘happy hormones’ such as dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin. They don’t have to be big gestures either - sometimes small but often can have a powerful cumulative effect, demonstrating how giving gives happiness.

The very act of smiling at someone, opening the door for them, helping an old lady across the road and carrying her shopping, conceding a parking space in a busy car park - every tiny boost of the happy hormones collects and connects and elevates not just your own mood, but that of those who surround you, too. In this way, it is clear that happiness and giving are fundamental to the way of Islam.

Make sure that you regularly give, sharing your wealth with those who are born into unfortunate and disadvantaged situations around the world.

Improve Your Emotional and Spiritual Well-being

Islam is not alone in emphasising the importance of charity work. Almost every religion has recognised the link between happiness and giving, encouraging people to give charity.

Psychologically, donating to charity gives peace and happiness, helping you to strengthen your self-esteem and develop an overall greater satisfaction in life. Subsequently, charity can help to lower levels of depression. You develop a greater sense of purpose, and often that sense of perspective gives you a greater understanding of gratitude in your own life.

An improved overall emotional well-being also contributes to improved physical well-being. The link between mental and physical health is a strong one, with powerful negative emotions having detrimental effects on your physical health. By finding peace in charity, you will ultimately improve your own physical well-being, too.

If you are seeking emotional, spiritual and physical peace, you can donate your Zakat through Muslim Aid.

Giving Gives Happiness

An interesting thing about charity is that it doesn’t always have to be a financial commitment. Charity can be done without having to spend a single penny. People can donate their time, volunteer for a few hours, or undertake a certain aspect of relief aid work, such as creating awareness or utilising their current talents to assist in whatever way they can.

Volunteer work is one of the most popular ways to get involved in relief aid work. Most of Muslim Aid’s volunteer work revolves around different cities in the United Kingdom. However, in some instances, people go beyond that and travel to different continents to ensure the campaign’s success. Anyone who doesn’t have the capital to help the poor can volunteer instead and physically help those in tough situations, like the Syrian refugees.

Even if you are exempt from fulfilling all your obligations, such as fasting, you do not have to miss out on the act of giving. Your Fidya has as much power as Zakat, in ensuring that you experience how charity gives happiness. So, make sure you don’t miss out and donate your Fidya through Muslim Aid.

There is more than one reason why charity has been given such importance in Islam, and Allah (SWT) not wanting his people to suffer is not the only reason to help the poor and needy. The  Holy Qur’an has exhorted Muslims to indulge in charitable activities so that they can attain the love of Allah (SWT). The concept of charity helps people walk on the right path, which is the path of righteousness and the path that leads to a better life hereafter.

Finding Peace and Happiness through Charity

"You cannot attain righteousness unless you spend (in charity) out of what you love." (The Holy Qur’an 3:92)

Thus, charity is the true path to happiness and peace. It is our responsibility to give time or resources to charity so that we can help our Muslim brothers and sisters in tough times. Charity should be done with a view to becoming better Muslims who walk on the right path and get closer to our Creator, Allah (SWT). For more information on how you can make a difference with your donation or your time, visit Muslim Aid’s website for details.

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