Giving charity is of great importance in Islam. However, distributing it among the poor and needy in Ramadan holds great significance. Offering charity in Ramadan not only purifies your wealth but multiplies your rewards. When done with sincerity and purely for the cause of Allah, even the smallest act of charity can carry immense virtues. This article highlights what charity in Islam is, its types, and the possible benefits for both the giver and society:

What is Charity in Islam?

In Islam, charity - also known as Sadaqah in Arabic - is more than helping the poor in need. It is considered a fundamental principle in Islam that shows your gratitude towards Allah’s blessings. Sharing your wealth with others acknowledges that everything belongs to Allah. Muslims with great wealth can give charity throughout the year. However, giving charity is recommended in Ramadan and other religious events as it helps the poor gain the same joys and blessings as you have.

Types of Charity in Islam?

In Islam, charity comes in many different forms. Here we come with the major ones, elaborating on the importance of charity in Islam:

1. Sadaqah

Sadaqah is the basic and voluntary form of charity. Anyone can give Sadaqah based on their needs and affordability. However, there are no restrictions in Islam on giving Sadaqah, as it can be anything in any amount. However, the givers must take care of those who are poor and really in need to collect Sadaqah. From passing smiles to someone to sharing knowledge and giving money and other living essentials all come under Sadaqah.

However, some acts are called Sadaqah Jariyah - the form of charity that not only blesses you in this world but hereafter. The major acts of Sadaqah Jariyah can include planting a water cooler, building a Masjid, a school, and other educational or skill development organizations, sponsoring a child or an orphan, etc. In short, any act that will be lasting and benefit people forever is considered Sadaqah jariyah.

2. Zakat

Zakat is considered an obligatory form of charity in Islam. This act of charity requires paying for a full lunar or Islamic year. Every Muslim doesn't need to pay Zakat, but only those who meet the set criteria, called Nisab.

The minimum Nisab for gold is 7.5 tola or 87.48 grams, and for silver is 52.5 tola or 612.36 grams. Whoever possesses wealth equal to or above this nisab is subject to pay Zakat, which is 2.5% of the total eligible wealth. Unlike Sadaqah, Zakat can only be given to eligible or deserving people. Allah (SWT) mentioned in the Qur’an that eight types of people are only eligible for Zakat, including;

1. Al Fuqarah - People with low income
2. Al Masakin - Those who are in difficulty or extremely deprived
3. Zakat Administrators - Working to collect and distribute Zakat fairly
4. New to Islam - Those who have converted to Islam and require financial assistance
5. Slaves - Those who are in slavery
6. Debtors - Those who need to repay their debts
7. Fi Sabilliah - Those who struggle in the way of Allah
8. Wayfarers - Those who are stranded or travelling with limited sources

3. Fitra

Sadaqah al-Fitra is also considered an obligatory form of charity in Islam. It is advised to be paid during Ramadan before the Eid al-Fitr celebration. Fitra is required to be paid by every adult Muslim who possesses wealth more than the basic needs. Fitra can be paid on behalf of yourself and your dependants. Remember that, unlike Zakat, Fitra does not require holding wealth for a full lunar year.

4. Fidya

Fidya is a mandatory form of charity that someone needs to pay for an inability to fulfill a religious obligation. For example, if someone is unable to fast in Ramadan due to some valid reasons - illness or travel, they have to pay Fidya in the form of feeding the poor. Remember that this is a mandatory form of charity, and one who does not pay it may become sinful.

5. Kaffarah

Kaffarah is an act of major compensation that applies to someone who breaks fast intentionally. The condition also applies when someone breaks an oath or kills someone. In such conditions, Kaffarah needs to be paid as redemption.

The best way to pay Kaffarah is to free a slave, or otherwise fast for 60 consecutive days. If someone is not able to do this, they need to feed 60 poor people. If this is also not possible for some reason, they need to pay a single person for 60 days.

6. Aqeeqah

Aqeeqah is a sunnah practice which involves sacrificing an animal and distributing it among the poor at the birth of a child. The ratio for Aqeeqah is sacrificing and distributing one animal for girls and two for boys. Remember that the meat of Aqeeqah Sadaqah needs to be distributed among poor or needy people.

7. Udhiya

Udhiya is a sunnah practice of sacrificing and distributing animals on Eid al-Adha. It is an obligatory act for every Muslim who can afford it. It is considered that Muslims whose wealth is equal to or above the Nisab (same as for Zakat) are subject to Udhiya.

Benefits of Distributing Charity?

Distributing charity in Islam is not only good for givers or distributors, but it also comes with a lot of benefits to build a prosperous society. Here are the top reasons why Muslims need to pay Charity or Sadaqah:

1. It purifies your wealth: Giving charity regularly, including Sadaqah and Zakat, purifies your wealth and soul. It is considered that giving charity in Ramadan not only purifies your wealth but also multiplies it.
2. It builds a stronger community: The act of distributing charity can help you build a stronger community. For example, distributing it among needy or poor people can help them meet their basic living standards. Building schools, Madaris, and other educational or skill development institutes can help the poor get better education, which can ultimately bring an educated and prosperous community.

Give Your Donations to Sundas Foundation

Sundas Foundation is a non-profit or non-governmental organization that helps patients suffering from thalassemia, hemophilia, and other blood disorders. Do you really want to give charity in this Ramadan to help poor or needy people? Give your donations to Sundas Foundation and support patients who cannot afford their treatment expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the major types of charity?

The major types of charity include Sadaqah, Zakat, Fitra, Fidya, Kaffarah, Aqeeqah, and Udhiyya.

What is the Difference between Sadaqah and Zakat?

Sadaqah is a voluntary act of charity that anyone can give based on their needs and affordability. However, Zakat is a mandatory form of charity that needs to be paid by every Muslim whose total wealth is equal to or above the Nisab (87.48 grams of gold and 612.36 grams of silver).

What is the difference between Fitra and Fidya?

Fitra is an obligatory form of charity that needs to be paid by every adult Muslim before Eid al-Fitr. Eligible Muslims can pay Fitra on behalf of themselves and their dependents.

On the other hand, Fidya is a mandatory act of charity that needs to be paid by Muslims who are unable to perform an obligatory religious act, such as fasting, due to illness or traveling.

When is Kaffarah mandatory?

Kaffarah is mandatory when someone breaks fast intentionally. It also becomes mandatory when someone breaks an oath or kills someone.

What is the best time to give charity?

You can give charity throughout the year based on your needs and affordability. However, many people choose Ramadan for charity as it brings more rewards and Barakah in their wealth.