What Did Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Say About Charity

Charity is a crucial part of Islam. It has been mentioned in the Holy Quran numerous times and was regularly encouraged by Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). Muslims around the world practice this principle in various ways. Charity can be given by donating to those In need, providing aid, looking after the elderly, the widows and the orphans. It is an act that holds the key to one of the eight gates in heaven, also known as the Baab As-Sadaqah. Chairty is embedded into The Five Pillars of Islam and is formally known as Zakat. Let us explore Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) opinions on charity in depth.

Why You Should Give to Charity

Giving charity in Islam is an essential obligation for Muslims. Although it is encouraged by the Holy Quran, Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) and by an Imam during Friday Khutbas at your local mosque, sadly there is still a minority of Muslims who do not take this duty seriously. One does not lose their financial status by giving to charity, you do not end up with less by helping others, instead you are given more. You gain the ability to unlock the Baab As-Sadaqah, Immense rewards in the afterlife followed by spiritual elevation. However, what you do lose are your bad deeds and the intensity of a tribulation as giving charity eases hardships and expiates sins. See the following hadith to develop a further understanding of this point:

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said:

"Charity does not diminish wealth, and Allah does not increase a servant, on account of his forgiveness, except in honour, and no one humbles himself seeking the pleasure of Allah except that Allah will elevate him." 

(Sahih Muslim – 2588)

Other Forms Of Charity

Charity can be encouraged in many ways. A common misconception is that charity must involve money. This is not true, even if someone who is living in extreme poverty breaks his bread with a neighbour then he has engaged in charity. This is the beauty of Islam. Take a look at what Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said about charity and the different types of ways it can be given:

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

“Your smiling in the face of your brother is charity, commanding good and forbidding evil is charity, your giving directions to a man lost in the land is charity for you. Your seeing for a man with bad sight is a charity for you, your removal of a rock, a thorn or a bone from the road is a charity for you. Your pouring what remains from your bucket into the bucket of your brother is charity for you.” 

(Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1956)

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said,

“On every joint of man, there is charity, on every day when the sun rises: doing justice between two men is charity, and assisting a man to ride an animal or to load his luggage on it is charity; and a good word is a charity, every step which one takes towards (the mosque for) Salat is charity, and removing harmful things from the way is charity”.

Riyad as-Salihin 248

Charity And The Afterlife

The opinions of Prophet Muhammad about charity also address the impact one’s donations will have on their afterlife. As mentioned previously, the rewards of charity are not only impactful in this life but also leave an impression in the hereafter. This life is a test for all believers and as we are aware, our time here on earth in limited. There will come a time when we shall all gather in an assembly in the presence of Allah the Almighty. Our book of deeds will be presented to us alongside the scale of justice. Knowing of this promised time, it is our duty to accumulate as many deeds as possible. By donating to charity you are able to work on the scale of justice in a positive manner by heightening your good deeds in hopes that Allah (SWT) will eradicate and eliminate your sins, Insha’Allah.

In the Holy Quran, Allah SWT says:

“Who is it that would loan Allah a goodly loan so He may multiply it for him many times over? And it is Allah who with holds and grants abundance, and to Him you will be returned”

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:245)

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

“Allah offers relief on the Day of Judgement for those who give sadaqah”

(Tirmidhi)

At one point, The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

“The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be their charity” 

(Tirmidhi)

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

“Sadaqah extinguishes sin as water extinguishes fire”

(Tirmidhi 614)

Remember, charity plays a major part in Islam and those that give frequently will surely have a reward with Allah (SWT). So be sure to donate today and amplify your deeds in both this life and the next Insha’Allah.