Islamic view on donation/charity

Why Donate?

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), said: “A charity is due for every joint in each person on every day the sun comes up: to act justly between two people is a charity; to help a man with his mount, lifting him onto it or hoisting up his belongings onto it, is a charity; a good word is a charity; and removing a harmful thing from the road is a charity.” (Al-Bukhari, Muslim).

"Every soul shall have a taste of death" Quran (Surah 3:185). 

So, believers should hasten to perform charity which is also the 3rd pillar of Islam.

Quranic ayahs on spending in the cause of Allah (SWT)

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:254)

"O believers! Donate from what We have provided for you before the arrival of a Day when there will be no bargaining, friendship, or intercession... "

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:261)

"The example of those who spend their wealth in the cause of Allah is that of a grain that sprouts into seven ears, each bearing one hundred grains. And Allah multiplies ˹the reward even more˺ to whoever He wills. For Allah is All-Bountiful, All-Knowing. "

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:274)

"Those who spend their wealth by night and by day, secretly and publicly, will find that their reward is secure with their Lord and that there is no reason for them to entertain any fear or grief. "

Surah Al-Imran (3:92)

"You shall not attain righteousness until you spend out of what you love (in the way of Allah). Allah knows whatever you spend. (3:92) You shall not attain righteousness until you spend out of what you love (in the way of Allah). "

Surah Al-Hadid (57:18)

 "Indeed, the men who practice charity and the women who practice charity and [they who] have loaned Allah a goodly loan - it will be multiplied for them, and they will have a noble reward." 

9 Hadith's to inspire you to donate

1)  It Is A Good Deed That Never Ends

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), 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, Al-Tirmidhi, others).

2) It Protects You from Calamity

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), said: “Give charity without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity.” (Al-Tirmidhi).

3) It Protects You from Being Miserly

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), said: “Avoid doing injustice to others, for on the Day of Judgment, it will turn into manifold darkness, and safeguard yourself against miserliness, for it ruined those who were before you. It incited them to murder and treating the unlawful as lawful.” (Muslim).

4) Charity Will Be A Shade on the Day of Judgment

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

5) It Protects You from the Hellfire

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), said: “Protect yourself from hell-fire even by giving a piece of date as charity.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

6) It Increases What Allah (SWT) Grants You

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), said: “Allah, the Exalted, says, ‘Spend, O son of Adam, and I shall spend on you.’” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

7) Charity Elevates Your Status

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), said: “Charity does not in any way decrease the wealth and the servant who forgives, Allah adds to his respect; and the one who shows humility, Allah elevates him in the estimation (of the people).” (Muslim).

8) Seek Only Allah (SWT)’s Pleasure with Charity

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), said: “A crafty one, a miser, and one who keeps reminding people of what he has given, will not enter Paradise.” (Tirmidhi).

9) Don’t Delay in Giving Charity

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), said: “Do not show lethargy or negligence in giving alms and charity till your last breath.” - (Bukhari and Muslim).