The Importance of Sadaqah (Charity)
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The Importance of Sadaqah (Charity)

A person feels inner satisfaction by performing virtuous deeds such as helping the poor in their financial needs or...

shlomorechnitz
shlomorechnitz
5 min read

 

 

Goodness is an essential part of human nature. A person feels inner satisfaction by performing virtuous acts such as helping the poor in their financial needs or helping an elderly person carry the errands. Such acts of kindness and compassion are one of the reasons why humanity still exists. We could never survive if we were all cruel and hateful. Islam strongly emphasizes the importance of doing good to others. Allah says in the Holy Qur'an:

Verily, As-Safaa and Al-Marwah (two mountains in Makkah) are among the Signs of Allaah. There is no blame on the one who performs Hajj or Umrah for interfering with them. And whoever does good deeds voluntarily, surely Allah is Grateful, All-Knowing.

Any act of righteousness is considered sadaqah in Islam, which is derived from the Arabic word sidq (truthfulness). Its literal meaning is to spend from the possessions and abilities in the way of the Almighty Lord. Sadaqah is the necessary component of the faith with which a servant seeks the Creator's Contentment. He does this by helping the poor and/or people in need. Allah says:

And those who are patient, seeking the Face of their Lord, observe prayer, spend that which We have provided for them, secretly and openly, and (who) forbid evil with good. For them there is a (happy) Final Destination (in the Hereafter).

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In the above verse, the Most Merciful describes the excellent qualities of His true servants: they are those who never complain, constantly seek His favors, maintain prayer, spend their wealth and remove immorality through decency. Such believers are given a great reward in Paradise.

A candle loses none of its light by lighting another candle.

This is a wonderful and clear metaphor for giving charity. Thus the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:

Charity does not diminish wealth.

No one gets poorer by doing charity. Indeed, the case of sadaqah brings you immense benefits in the Worldly and in the Hereafter. Thus Uthman Ibn Affan (may Allaah be pleased with him) said the following:

Your charity will not be accepted until you believe you need the reward more than the beggar needs the money.

If we are honest with ourselves, we have to admit that we have rarely, if ever, ever looked at the giving of sadaqah in this way. When we give sadaqah we always do it from the heart, but we should do it much more consciously:

to please Allah and;to enjoy the fruits of its benefits.

In fact, most of us are not even aware of its benefits. But if one knows the advantages, then one will understand that we indeed need the reward much more than the beggar needs the money.

Curious about some of the rewards that Allaah and the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) have bestowed upon us? Realize well that your wealth is a favor from Allaah and at the same time it is a test. You bear responsibility for spending it, because what and to whom do you spend it? Do you spend it only on yourself or do you share it with others? You have the choice! Do not think of your wealth as doing others a favor, for you are not above anyone else. It is Allah who favors you with it.

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Remember that wealth is a huge ordeal. Just look around you! So many people have been given wealth and yet few managed to stay away from the evil path. When such a person is asked by Allaah on the Day of Resurrection about how he spent his wealth, he will be greatly shamed and regretted. Indeed, in worldly life he forgot to be thankful to Allah and forgot to think of those less fortunate than him. It is therefore not for nothing that the charity of a rich person is more beloved to Allaah because having a lot of money is a huge test!

This is not limited to money and other material things, by the way. Also consider your intelligence, talent, skills, time, and so on. Whoever is clever then spends these favors on good causes, if only so that Allaah increases your riches.

In doing so, trust the Provider. Allah promises to give us more than what we have given away. This does not mean that we are given more of the same. We do not know in advance in what form and when we will receive the reward. What we do know—certainly—is that the rewards have been promised to us.

Of course, we can keep our riches all to ourselves. Of course, we can tell ourselves that our contribution doesn't really matter or that we can't afford to give anything away. But what being generous gets us is many times better than what the money we keep for ourselves gets us. By giving, we can inspire people. Not only does it benefit us, but it also affects many others. Who doesn't want that?

Giving is life!

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