The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Charity does not decrease wealth." [Sahih Muslim]. This profound statement reveals the spiritual economics of giving in Islam—what seems like a decrease actually leads to increase, both in this world and the hereafter.
Types of Charity in Islam
Islam recognizes several forms of charity: • Zakat: The obligatory charity (2.5% of savings) given annually to help those in need. It is one of the five pillars of Islam. • Sadaqah: Voluntary charity that can be given at any time, in any amount, to anyone in need. • Sadaqah Jariyah: Ongoing charity whose rewards continue even after death, such as building wells, mosques, or schools. • Qard Hasan: A beautiful loan given without expecting any return or interest.
Who Can Receive Zakat?
The Quran specifies eight categories of people eligible to receive Zakat: the poor, the needy, those employed to collect Zakat, those whose hearts are to be reconciled, those in bondage, those in debt, in the cause of Allah, and the wayfarer.
The Spiritual Benefits of Giving
Giving charity purifies the soul from greed and selfishness. It teaches compassion and empathy, strengthens community bonds, and reminds us that all wealth ultimately belongs to Allah. The Prophet (pbuh) said that the upper hand (the one that gives) is better than the lower hand (the one that receives).
"Whoever guides someone to goodness will have a reward like the one who did it." — Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
