The Gift Charity and Humanity

The world as we see it today is very different from the ideal world that we would like to imagine living in. In today’s world, we are victims of multiple types of social, economic and even ethnic barriers. The issues of poverty, diseases and inequality still prevail in our societies today. Over recent years, it has become too uncommon and frequent to prompt some measure or action. Two things can assist in that regard.

Charity is the first and undoubtedly a big one. Charity is definitely a very important practice in trying to establish a healthy society. It is through this act that people from different classes can interact with one another in a brotherly manner. It is through charity that those who are deprived can reach stability. They can gain temporary financial support to help them stand on their own two feet and slowly become active members of societies rather than a burden.

Charity as a Path to Righteousness

Charity is also a very noble act that removes selfishness, greed, and a superiority complex from the mind. It creates a sense of humbleness and therefore contributes to removing the negative aspects of society. It removes the labels of status and class that are now attached to everyone’s foreheads and moves us a step closer to equality in humankind.

When we perform such a righteous act as a charity, then it enables us to see each other beyond these images and just as fellow beings. When this sense of equality is established in perspective, then economic equality is only a step away.  As it is through charity that economic stability reaches one household to another, it is through charity that the giver will be purifying his wealth. The recipient may then use the donation wisely to establish a better lifestyle. If the system of charity is managed carefully, then slowly and gradually, we can bring a major change in our societies.

The Rewards of Charitable Giving

In Islam, giving charity not only holds abundant rewards, but it also helps both the recipient in this world and the giver in the next life.

The Prophet, upon him, be peace, said: “The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his charity.” (Al-Tirmidhi)

Giving gifts to others is also a form of charity, as well as smiling, which is a sunnah.

Gift Humanity

The other aspect is, of course, showing humanity. We should help support and treat all humans as equals. All men are created equal. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), in his last sermon on Mount Arafat, preached to the Muslim Ummah that all men are created equal and that no one has prominence over the other in any way and that all Muslims are brothers. If your brother or sister is suffering or is economically unstable, then in the name of humanity and to garner Allah (SWT)’s goodwill, we should help him. We should help people in their time of need and support them to be well-established. As if Allah (SWT) has granted us abundantly, then we are accountable for it and need to use it in the right way, not for our selfish needs but for the betterment of others.

The Prophet’s Teachings

The Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) further said:

“It is unworthy of a Mu’min [a person with faith] to injure people’s reputations, and it is unworthy to curse anyone, and it is unworthy to abuse anyone, and it is unworthy of a Mu’min to talk arrogantly.”

We should therefore follow as instructed and try our utmost to treat our fellow brothers with the utmost respect for the betterment of all of humankind. Donate to charity generously and be humble and courteous to everyone. Only then will these barriers be broken, and the Muslim Ummah will prosper.

You can donate to Muslim Aid to ensure that your donations are used to help the needy around the world. Donate to Muslim Aid’s ‘Need is Greatest’ Appeal here to provide food, shelter, water, and medicine to the needy.

You can also give your Zakat with Muslim Aid here.