As Zakat is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, it is generally accepted that the importance of charity in Islam is recognised by Muslims worldwide. To really understand its significance, though, we need to go deeper into the effects that giving has and why it is so vital for Muslims to incorporate it into every area of their life if they want to get closer to Allah (SWT).
“And be steadfast in prayer; practice regular charity; and bow down your heads with those who bow down (in worship).” - Al Baqara (2:43).
Charity in Islam is often referred to as Zakat and is a form of almsgiving. In terms of importance, it is ranked next after prayer, and all Muslims are expected to pay their Zakat annually from the day that their personal wealth exceeds the Nisab threshold.
You can calculate your Zakat obligations and pay them online by using our unique Muslim Aid online calculation tool.
However, while you may understand the fact that it is important to give, let’s explain further why it is important to give.
Many brothers and sisters reading this article will be doing so in the comfort of their daily surroundings, in their warm homes, or perhaps even alongside their loved ones. As we become accustomed to the comforts of everyday life, it is all too easy to lose perspective on the wider problems in this world.
Zakat reminds us of the importance of giving to others. Every single day there are those in greater need - whether it is those suffering from natural disasters such as flooding and earthquakes or widows and orphans who have lost their primary caregivers and are left behind destitute with no means of feeding themselves or earning an adequate living.
There are millions of Muslims on this planet who, through no fault of their own, find themselves homeless and hungry.
Muslim Aid raises money for these people all year round. We urge everyone over and above their Zakat to continue to help provide food, shelter, water and medical aid.
“Look to those who have less than you, and do not look to those who have more. This is more appropriate so that you do not overlook (or undervalue) the blessings of Allah that you have.” - Bukhari & Muslim.
We all know that living in this world is only temporary. How we behave in this world will affect how we live in the afterlife, which is forever. The importance of charity in Islam underlines the commitment that every individual makes to living a good, charitable life in preparation for the afterlife.
“The likeness of those who spend their wealth in the Way of Allah is as the likeness of a grain of corn; it grows seven ears, and each ear has a hundred grains. Allah gives manifold increase to whom He pleases. And Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures’ needs, All-Knower,” - Al Baqara (2:261).
Allah (SWT) gives wealth to us so that we can share it with our brothers and sisters in need; it is our duty to ensure that what we have been given also goes towards others who may even need it more.
It is a generally accepted value that none of us is perfect. We make mistakes, take the wrong path, and make the wrong decisions. Being perfect is not the goal of being a good Muslim. It is what we do after making mistakes that is important. If you sin, then take steps to erase that sin. As the scholar, Ibn Majah, stresses, “Charity extinguishes the sins like water extinguishes a fire.”
The importance of giving to others outlines steps that can be taken by all Muslims who have strayed from the path and need to make amends. If you need to make amends, make sure that you make a contribution to and help feed the fasting in vulnerable communities across the world.
As we approach Ramadan, you have the opportunity to turn your mindset into one that incorporates the importance of giving to others as part of your overall Ramadan rituals. Charity is weaved into Ramadan to ensure that even those who cannot fast are able to fulfil their charitable obligations. So, if that is you and you wish to pay your Fidya, you can do so knowing that you are still doing everything in your power to please Allah (SWT).
Join Muslim Aid and attempt to make a difference to someone in the world with charity giving, be it by feeding the hungry, sponsoring an orphan or helping towards current world emergencies; your donations will go a long way in helping you in the Hereafter, inshallah.
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