Giving charity isn’t just a kind gesture; it is also a highly rewarding deed in Islam. A true act of compassion and charity is regarded as Sunnah in Islam, a deed deeply loved and highly preached by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
There are two ways to give to charity. Either openly or in secret by means of discretion. Allah (SWT) likes the discrete way of giving charity more than the act of giving charity openly.
“If you will give charity openly, it would be a good deed. However, if you would give it to poor or needy people secretly, it will be better for you, and he (Allah SWT) will remove some of your sins. Allah (SWT) is aware of what you do, so giving charity secretly would be noticed and rewarded in the Akhira. (Qur’an 2:271)
This is not to say that open charity is not viewed as good. Giving charity in an open manner is a good way to make an example to other Muslims, particularly at times when the situation cries out for someone to stand up and take action. This, in turn, prompts others to do the same. People are inclined to contribute to a cause if they see others doing it. Sometimes it is a requirement of the situation that the charity is given openly so that others do the same.
Child sponsorship of orphans can be done both openly and with discretion. By sponsoring them, you essentially feed them and give them an education as well as the basic tools to make a living and get on their feet.
Losing loved ones at an early age is a traumatic experience for any child. There are hundreds of thousands of children living in orphanages around the world. In such countries where war, famine and poverty are common, countless children are orphaned. These children are left alone, hungry, and homeless.
The Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) appreciated those who looked after orphans. He mentioned that a person who gives care to an orphan would find a place in paradise (Al-Bukhari). This gave a new meaning to Muslim orphan care and support and is the reason why thousands of orphans today are being sponsored by different individuals and families around the world.
Orphaned children aren’t just lonely, hungry, or hopeless with life, but many of them are exploited as cheap labour. Many children are forced to work against their will in return for food. Some are sent to other countries where they have to work in order to continue their lives. This not only shatters their childhood but also puts limitations on their potential to reach a brighter future. When a homeless and lonely child finds a compassionate relative or someone who is willing to give him care, he starts overcoming all the odds and slowly but gradually moves towards a normal life.
Child sponsorship is one of the ultimate forms of charity. You can also play your part in providing helpless children with food, clothing, and education. You can choose to sponsor one child or all his or her siblings depending on the yearly amount that you can afford to put into the Muslim orphan sponsorship. Remember, this world can become a beautiful place for every orphan if each of us plays our part.
The Prophet (PBUH) said, ‘The one who cares for an orphan and myself will be together in Paradise like this’, and he (saw) held his two fingers together to illustrate. [Bukhari]
Perform the ultimate form of charity by sponsoring a child today.
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