Charity (zakat) is an important aspect of Islamic faith, and the Quran provides guidance on the importance of charity and how it should be practiced. Here are some key points on charity according to the Quran:
Zakat is an obligation: Muslims are required to give a portion of their wealth to those in need as a form of worship and a means of purifying their wealth. The Quran describes zakat as a duty that has been ordained by Allah (SWT): "Establish regular prayer and give zakat; and obey Allah and His Messenger." (Quran 33:33)
Zakat is a means of purification: Zakat purifies wealth and the heart of the giver. By giving zakat, a person is demonstrating gratitude to Allah (SWT) for the blessings He has bestowed upon them, and they are also acknowledging that their wealth belongs to Allah (SWT) and not to them.
Zakat is for the needy: Zakat is meant to be given to those in need, such as the poor, the needy, the hungry, and the homeless. The Quran says, "Zakat expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed to collect [zakat] and for bringing hearts together [for Islam] and for freeing captives [or slaves] and for those in debt and for the cause of Allah and for the [stranded] traveler - an obligation [imposed] by Allah." (Quran 9:60)
Zakat should be given willingly: Zakat should be given willingly and with a pure heart, without any expectation of reward or recognition. The Quran says, "Those who spend their wealth [in Allah's way] by night and by day, secretly and publicly - they will have their reward with their Lord. And no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve." (Quran 2:274)
Zakat should be given regularly: Muslims are encouraged to give zakat regularly, either once a year or more frequently. The Quran says, "And establish prayer and give zakat, and whatever good you put forward for yourselves - you will find it with Allah. Indeed, Allah of what you do, is Seeing." (Quran 2:110)
Overall, the Quran emphasizes the importance of charity as a means of worship, purification, and helping those in need.
There are several other verses in the Quran that emphasize the importance of charity. Here are a few more:
"And those within whose wealth is a known right for the petitioner and the deprived." (Quran 70:24-25)
"You will not attain righteousness until you spend from that which you love. And whatever you spend - indeed, Allah is Knowing of it." (Quran 3:92)
"The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing." (Quran 2:261)
"And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, [Saying], 'We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.'" (Quran 76:8-9)
"And those who, before them, had homes [in Medina] and had adopted the faith, love those who emigrate to them, and have no jealousy in their hearts for that which they have been given [of the bounties of Allah], and give them preference over themselves even though they were in need of that. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul - it is those who will be the successful." (Quran 59:9)
"O you who have believed, spend from that which We have provided for you before there comes a Day in which there is no exchange and no friendship and no intercession. And the disbelievers - they are the wrongdoers." (Quran 2:254)
"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." (Quran 57:18)
"And do not invalidate your charities with reminders or injury as does one who spends his wealth [only] to be seen by the people and does not believe in Allah and the Last Day. His example is like that of a [large] smooth stone upon which is dust and is hit by a downpour that leaves it bare. They are unable [to keep] anything of what they have earned. And Allah does not guide the disbelieving people." (Quran 2:264)
"And let not those who [greedily] withhold what Allah has given them of His bounty ever think that it is better for them. Rather, it is worse for them. Their necks will be encircled by what they withheld on the Day of Resurrection." (Quran 3:180)
"And give the relative his right, and [also] the poor and the traveler, and do not spend wastefully." (Quran 17:26)
"O you who have believed, spend from the good things which you have earned and from that which We have produced for you from the earth. And do not aim toward the defective therefrom, spending [from that] while you would not take it [yourself] except with closed eyes. And know that Allah is Free of need and Praiseworthy." (Quran 2:267)
"And the believers, men and women, are protecting friends of one another; they enjoin the right and forbid the wrong, and they establish prayer and give charity, and they obey Allah and His Messenger. As for these, Allah will have mercy on them. Indeed, Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise." (Quran 9:71)
"And in their wealth and possessions was a right for the petitioner and the deprived." (Quran 51:19)
"And those who, when they spend, do so not excessively or sparingly but are ever, between that, justly moderate." (Quran 25:67)
"Believe in Allah and His Messenger and spend out of that in which He has made you successors. For those who have believed among you and spent, there will be a great reward." (Quran 57:7)
"If you disclose your charitable expenditures, they are good; but if you conceal them and give them to the poor, it is better for you, and He will remove from you some of your misdeeds [thereby]. And Allah, with what you do, is [fully] Acquainted." (Quran 2:271)
"And establish prayer and give zakah and bow with those who bow [in worship and obedience]." (Quran 2:43)
"And the likeness of those who spend their wealth seeking Allah's pleasure and for the strengthening of their souls is as a garden, high and fertile; heavy rain falls on it and it yields its crops twofold. And if the rain fails, then the dew suffices it. Allah sees what you do." (Quran 2:265)
These verses highlight the importance of spending in the way of Allah (SWT), the reward of doing so, and the moderation and sincerity that should be exercised when giving charity.