The Worldly Benefits of Charity: 20 Reasons to Give Generously
Charity, or Sadaqah, holds a significant place in Islam, not only for its spiritual rewards but also for the numerous worldly benefits it brings. At the Institute of Quran and Sunnah, we emphasize the importance of charity in our courses, highlighting both its spiritual and worldly gains. Here are twenty significant worldly benefits of giving charity, each supported by relevant references from the Quran, Sunnah, or Seerah.
- Increases Wealth:
- Reference: “Who is it that would loan Allah a goodly loan so He may multiply it for him many times over?” (Quran 2:245)
- Explanation: This verse explains that spending in the way of Allah is like giving a loan that will be returned many times over, indicating that charity increases wealth rather than decreasing it.
- Purifies Wealth:
- Reference: “Take from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase, and invoke [Allah’s blessings] upon them.” (Quran 9:103)
- Explanation: Charity purifies the wealth of the giver by removing any impurities, making the remaining wealth blessed and pure.
- Attracts Blessings:
- Reference: “The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] that sprouts seven ears; in every ear are a hundred grains.” (Quran 2:261)
- Explanation: This analogy illustrates how charity attracts numerous blessings, multiplying the good in one’s life.
- Improves Health:
- Reference: “Treat your sick people with charity.” (Al-Mundhiri, At-Targhib wat-Tarhib, 2/443)
- Explanation: The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) advised using charity as a means of treating illness, suggesting that charitable acts can improve health.
- Increases Happiness:
- Reference: “The likeness of those who spend their wealth seeking Allah’s pleasure is the likeness of a garden on a fertile hill.” (Quran 2:265)
- Explanation: Giving charity with the intention of pleasing Allah brings contentment and happiness, similar to the satisfaction derived from a fruitful garden.
- Builds Community:
- Reference: “The example of the believers in their affection, mercy, and compassion for each other is that of a body. When any limb aches, the whole body reacts with sleeplessness and fever.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
- Explanation: Charity fosters a sense of community, as it strengthens the bonds of affection, mercy, and compassion among believers.
- Enhances Reputation:
- Reference: “The upper hand is better than the lower hand (i.e., he who gives in charity is better than him who takes it).” (Bukhari, 1429)
- Explanation: Those who give in charity are regarded with higher esteem and respect, thus enhancing their reputation.
- Reduces Hardships:
- Reference: “Whoever relieves a believer’s distress of the distressful aspects of this world, Allah will rescue him from a difficulty of the difficulties of the Hereafter.” (Muslim, 2699)
- Explanation: Helping others through charity can lead to the alleviation of one’s own hardships, both in this world and the Hereafter.
- Attracts Positivity:
- Reference: “Give charity without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity.” (Tirmidhi, 589)
- Explanation: Charity acts as a barrier against misfortune, attracting positive outcomes and preventing negative events.
- Protects from Calamities:
- Reference: “Charity extinguishes the wrath of Allah and protects against an evil death.” (Tirmidhi, 664)
- Explanation: Giving charity can protect a person from calamities and adverse events, ensuring safety and well-being.
- Promotes Social Justice:
- Reference: “And those in whose wealth there is a recognized right for the needy and the deprived.” (Quran 70:24-25)
- Explanation: This verse emphasizes that the wealthy have a duty to give to the needy, promoting social justice by redistributing wealth and reducing inequality.
- Fulfills Obligations:
- Reference: “And establish prayer and give zakah and bow with those who bow [in worship and obedience].” (Quran 2:43)
- Explanation: Charity, as an obligatory act, helps fulfill religious duties and brings spiritual and worldly benefits.
- Encourages Gratitude:
- Reference: “And whatever you spend in good – it will be fully repaid to you, and you will not be wronged.” (Quran 2:272)
- Explanation: Recognizing that charity will be rewarded encourages a sense of gratitude for one’s own blessings and the ability to give.
- Develops Empathy:
- Reference: “None of you [truly] believes until he loves for his brother that which he loves for himself.” (Bukhari, 13)
- Explanation: Charity helps develop empathy by encouraging individuals to care for others as they would for themselves.
- Strengthens Faith:
- Reference: “The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers. And fear Allah that you may receive mercy.” (Quran 49:10)
- Explanation: Acts of charity reinforce the sense of brotherhood and strengthen faith among believers.
- Creates a Legacy:
- Reference: “When a man dies, his deeds come to an end except for three things: Sadaqah Jariyah (a continuous charity), knowledge which is beneficial, or a virtuous descendant who prays for him.” (Muslim, 1631)
- Explanation: Continuous charity leaves a lasting legacy, benefiting the giver even after death.
- Improves Mental Health:
- Reference: “The best of people are those who are most beneficial to people.” (Daraqutni, Hasan)
- Explanation: Engaging in charitable acts provides a sense of purpose and fulfillment, which positively impacts mental health.
- Enhances Personal Growth:
- Reference: “And the example of those who spend their wealth seeking means to the approval of Allah and assuring [reward for] themselves is like a garden on high ground which is hit by a downpour – so it yields its fruits in double.” (Quran 2:265)
- Explanation: Charity promotes personal growth by encouraging selflessness and humility, leading to a more fulfilling life.
- Supports Education:
- Reference: “The one who treads a path in search of knowledge, Allah will make easy for him the path to Paradise.” (Muslim, 2699)
- Explanation: Donations supporting education benefit society and help spread beneficial knowledge.
- Promotes Happiness in Others:
- Reference: “Whoever fulfills the needs of his brother, Allah will fulfill his needs.” (Bukhari, 2442)
- Explanation: Helping others through charity brings joy to their lives, creating a ripple effect of happiness and positivity.
These benefits are deeply rooted in the teachings of Islam. At the Institute of Quran and Sunnah, we offer courses that delve deeper into the importance of charity and its benefits. Additionally, our Islamic Counseling Services provide guidance on how to incorporate charitable acts into daily life.
For more insights and guidance on charity and other Islamic teachings, explore our blog and consider enrolling in our courses to enrich your understanding and practice of Islam. May Allah bless us with the ability to give generously and reap the countless benefits of charity.
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