Charity in Islam

In Islam, there are several types of charities (zakat) that Muslims can give, which are classified as follows:

Zakat al-Fitr:

Zakat al-Fitr is a mandatory charity that Muslims are required to give at the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting. It is a small amount of money or food that is given on behalf of every member of a Muslim household, including children and the elderly. The purpose of Zakat al-Fitr is to help the poor and needy celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the festival that marks the end of Ramadan, by providing them with food or money to buy food.

The amount of Zakat al-Fitr is typically the equivalent of one saa' (around 2.5kg) of food, such as rice, wheat, or barley, or the equivalent amount of money. It should be given before the Eid prayer, so that the poor can use it to celebrate the festival.

Zakat al-Mal:

Zakat al-Mal is a mandatory charity on wealth, which is given annually on savings and investment. The purpose of Zakat al-Mal is to purify one's wealth and help the poor and needy.

The amount of Zakat al-Mal that must be given is 2.5% of one's total wealth, after deducting any debts and expenses. The wealth that is subject to Zakat al-Mal includes cash, gold, silver, stocks, and other assets that are held for a full lunar year.

Zakat al-Mal can be given directly to the poor or through charitable organizations that distribute it to those in need. The recipients of Zakat al-Mal should be the poor, the needy, those who are in debt, travelers who are stranded, and those who are working in the cause of Allah.

Sadaqah:

Sadaqah is a voluntary charity that can be given at any time, in any amount, and for any reason. It is an act of generosity and can be given in the form of money, food, or other goods.

Sadaqah can be given to anyone in need, including the poor, the sick, orphans, widows, and others. It can also be given to support charitable causes, such as building mosques or schools, funding humanitarian projects, or providing emergency relief.

Sadaqah is not subject to any fixed amount or percentage, but it is encouraged to give generously and regularly, as it is a means of earning Allah's blessings and forgiveness.

Waqf:

Waqf is a charitable endowment that is created by donating property, money, or other assets to a charitable cause. The income generated from the endowment is used to support the charitable cause indefinitely.

Waqf can be used to fund a variety of charitable causes, such as building mosques, schools, hospitals, and other facilities, as well as providing scholarships, grants, and other forms of assistance to the needy.

Waqf is considered a perpetual charity, as the original donation is preserved and the income generated from it is used to benefit future generations. It is also a means of earning rewards in the hereafter, as the donor continues to receive blessings for the good deeds that are performed with the funds.

Kaffarah:

Kaffarah is a form of expiation that is given for certain sins, such as breaking a fast during Ramadan or breaking an oath. The person who commits the sin is required to give a specific amount of charity as a form of repentance.

The amount of Kaffarah that must be given depends on the nature of the sin committed. For example, if a person breaks a fast during Ramadan without a valid reason, they must either fast for 60 consecutive days or feed 60 poor people. If they are unable to fast or feed the poor, they must give the monetary equivalent of feeding 60 poor people.

Kaffarah can also be given as a voluntary charity, as a means of seeking Allah's forgiveness and earning rewards in the hereafter.

In conclusion, these five types of charities in Islam serve a variety of purposes, including purifying one's wealth, helping the poor and needy, supporting charitable causes, and seeking Allah's forgiveness. They are an integral part of Islamic practice and are considered essential for leading a pious and virtuous life. Muslims are encouraged to give generously and regularly, as acts of charity are believed to bring immense spiritual and worldly benefits.

Charity according to Quran:

All five types of charities in Islam are based on teachings from the Quran, which is considered the holy book of Islam. The Quran encourages Muslims to give in charity and emphasizes the importance of helping the poor and needy.

For example, regarding Zakat al-Mal, the Quran states in Surah Al-Tawbah, verse 60: "Alms are for the poor and the needy, and those employed to administer (the funds); for those whose hearts have been (recently) reconciled (to truth); for those in bondage and in debt; in the cause of Allah; and for the wayfarer: (thus is it) ordained by Allah, and Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom."

Similarly, regarding Sadaqah, the Quran states in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 261: "The parable of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is that of a grain of corn: it grows seven ears, and each ear has a hundred grains. Allah gives manifold increase to whom He pleases, and Allah cares for all and knows all things."

Waqf is also mentioned in the Quran indirectly through the story of Maryam (Mary) in Surah Al-Imran, verse 37, where it is mentioned that her mother dedicated her to the service of Allah in the Temple.

Overall, the Quran emphasizes the importance of charity in Islam and encourages Muslims to give generously in order to purify their wealth, help the poor and needy, and seek Allah's blessings and forgiveness.

Charity according to Hadith:

Here are some hadiths from the sayings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that encourage Muslims to give in charity:

Zakat al-Mal:

"The one who pays the zakat on his wealth will be purified and blessed." (Sunan Ibn Majah 1794)

"Charity extinguishes sin as water extinguishes fire." (Sunan Ibn Majah 1740)

Sadaqah:

"Every act of goodness is charity." (Sahih Muslim 1002)

"The most beloved of deeds to Allah are the most consistent, even if they are few." (Sahih Bukhari 6464)

Waqf:

"When a man dies, his deeds come to an end except for three things: Sadaqah Jariyah (continuous charity), knowledge which is beneficial, or a virtuous descendant who prays for him." (Sahih Muslim 1631)

Qard al-Hasan:

"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." (Sahih Muslim 2699)

Kaffarah:

"Whoever covers the faults of a Muslim, Allah covers his faults on the Day of Judgment." (Sahih Bukhari 6055)

"Allah is in the aid of the servant, as long as the servant is in the aid of his brother." (Sahih Muslim 2699)

These hadiths emphasize the importance of giving in charity and the numerous benefits that come with it. They encourage Muslims to be generous, kind, and compassionate towards others and to seek Allah's blessings and forgiveness through their charitable deeds.