“In Islam, charity comes from an Arabic word Sadaqah which has several meanings. Sadaqah means ‘righteousness’ and is a form of voluntary charity.”
Giving Charity is one of the most fundamental obligations prescribed in Islam which impacts in the wellbeing of an individual and the welfare of the society as a whole. It is highly encouraged and emphasized in the Quran and Hadith as the noblest way of spending the wealth for the sake of Almighty Allah and helping the needy which should be the common practice of every Muslim. Charitable giving is not just a means of spiritual purification, but also as a tool for building socio-economic sustainability and social reforms resulting in the wellbeing of an individual and society in the world and hereafter. In Islam, charity comes from an Arabic word Sadaqah which has several meanings. Sadaqah means ‘righteousness’ and is a form of voluntary charity. Sadaqah is any voluntary act of righteousness or kindness that is made with no expectation for anything in return. There is no minimum amount of Sadaqah that must be given and no requirement to give regularly. Sadaqah can be split into two further acts of kindness, Sadaqah itself which is considered a short-term gesture and Sadaqah Jariyah, which is a gesture that gives long-term. There is no requirement to what you need to do to fulfill Sadaqah meaning that something as simple as sharing your knowledge in Islam can be a gesture that continues to give. Donating money to a charity or local food bank, Feeding a hungry or fasting person, Giving water to a thirsty animal, Smiling include the acts of Sadaqah. Sadaqah also includes donating food to a soup kitchen, visiting your neighbours, visiting the sick, visiting the elderly in care homes, and many other things. The opportunities for Sadaqah are endless. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is the best example of regular giving and would often give to that in need who had nothing of their own when he himself was hungry.
“Giving Charity from the economic perspective is deemed to be an effective tool to accomplish the objective of optimal redistribution of resources and goods which eventually impact positively on social welfare that has also been the focus of the theory of welfare economics”.
By making regular Sadaqah we are following in the footsteps of the Prophet (SAW) and setting a good example in life for your own children. Muhammad, (SAW) said: “When a man dies, his deeds come to an end except for three things: Sadaqah Jariyah (ceaseless charity); a knowledge which is beneficial, or a virtuous descendant who prays for him (for the deceased).” (Muslim) Both gestures carry great rewards in this life and the next for the giver but the effects of Zakat and Sadaqah are even greater for the receiver. The donations made with the intention of Sadaqah and Zakat through Orphans in need are received by those most in need, our orphans and widows who are struggling in life through no fault of their own. Our Sadaqah and Zakat donations enable us to provide seasonal clothing to keep warm in the cold winters, food packs that will feed hungry mouths for a month and necessary access to education and medical care. We can donate Sadaqah in a financial form to charities, such as Orphans in Need, who use your donations to ease the suffering of those around the world who are impoverished, struggling and ill. Your donations may be used for food, water, shelter, building homes, medicine, education, or other aspects that will allow people to have a better quality of life by providing the essentials to them “Sadaqah extinguishes sin as water extinguishes fire.” (Tirmidhi) The Prophet (SAW) said: “The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his charity.” (Al-Tirmidhi) In Hadith Prophet (SAW) has said “Allah, the Exalted, says, ‘Spend, O son of Adam, and I shall spend on you” (Al-Bukhari, Muslim). Giving Charity from the economic perspective is deemed to be an effective tool to accomplish the objective of optimal redistribution of resources and goods which eventually impact positively on social welfare that has also been the focus of the theory of welfare economics.
