In Islam, a sadaqah is a selfless act of charity intending to appease Allah without anticipating anything in return. The word “Sadaqah” in Arabic translates to “righteousness,” and it comes from the root “sidq,” which also means sincerity. This implies that Sadaqah is the sincerity of faith and righteous behavior, which promotes a healthy and harmonious society.
Many hadith claims that the Prophet Muhammad (saw), the Messenger of Allah, was “more generous than the blowing wind,” meaning that he didn’t save anything for himself and would donate food and money to the needy while allowing himself to go without. His immaculate character serves as an example for us to imitate.
Benefits Of Charity In Islam with Complete Hadith
Quran and Hadith emphasize the importance of charity and its virtues. Giving charity offers numerous benefits to the givers, and they enjoy countless blessings of Allah. We have mentioned a few benefits of charity in Islam.
1. Ease Hardships & Calamities
The Prophet (P.B.U.H) said,
“Give Sadaqah without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity.” (Tirmidhi)
As Muslims, we think that Allah created this life to put our faith and loyalty to Him to the test via adversity. Sadaqah, during tough times, demonstrates a strong Iman and gratitude to Allah. Giving Sadaqah is a method to be closer to Allah, and nothing can improve a situation except for Allah’s boundless mercy.
2. Prevents Death & Cure Illness
The Prophet (P.B.U.H) said,
“Treat your sick ones with charity.” (Saheeh al-Jaami).
When a loved one becomes unwell, donating Sadaqah to aid in healing and fend off lousy fortune is good. Sadaqah, according to the Prophet (P.B.U.H),
“appeases the Lord’s wrath and prevents a horrible death.” (Tirmidhi).
So whoever wishes to prevent horrible death should do charity regularly.
3. Increases Your Status
According to Muhammad (P.B.U.H),
“Charity does not in any way decrease the wealth and the servant who forgives, Allah adds to his respect; and the one who shows humility, Allah elevates him in the estimation (of the people).” (Muslim).
Hadith says that charity raises the man’s status and adds to his respect. Giving charity will never decrease your wealth as Allah promised to provide double the amount you gave in Charity.
4. Forgiveness Of Sins
The Prophet (P.B.U.H) said:
“Charity extinguishes the sins like water extinguishes a fire.” (Ibn Majah)
Every person will be held accountable for their sins—both major and minor—on the Day of Judgement. Regularly making Sadaqah is a quick and easy approach to help atone for any faults we have committed, knowingly or unknowingly.
5. Investment In This Life & Hereafter
“Indeed, the men who practise charity and the women who practise charity and [they who] have loaned Allah a goodly loan – it will be multiplied for them, and they will have a noble reward.” (Al Hadeed 57:18)
Spending money on charitable causes isn’t typically considered an investment. Still, Allah tells us that when we give Sadaqah, he will increase our wealth, provide for us, and bring us success in this life and the hereafter.
6. Shade On The Day Of Judgement
The Prophet (P.B.U.H) said:
“The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his charity.” (Al-Tirmidhi)
Allah will shade and shelter those who give alms and care for the needy on the day when all other shades will be gone. On the Day of Judgment, the Muslim’s suffering in this life will serve as protection.
7. Fulfill Your Needs
The Prophet (P.B.U.H) said:
“Whoever fulfilled the needs of his brother, Allah will fulfil his needs” (Bukhari)
And while we should all be making plans for our stability in the future, we also need to have faith in Allah to provide for our necessities. We should endeavor to serve His sake and resist engaging in self-centered or ill-considered behavior.
In the end, Allah will provide for our needs by meeting those of our needy brothers and sisters.
8. Purification Of Nafs
‘By no means shall you attain righteousness unless you give (freely) that which you love. And whatever you spend, indeed, Allah is Knowing of it. [3:92]
One of the best methods to achieve righteousness is spending for Allah’s sake. Our objective in life is to work toward Allah’s path through worship and good acts. Allah is testing us with our riches, which may even be a burden because we are responsible for how we use them. To discriminate between worldly pursuits and achieve the reward of the Hereafter, we should give to charity.
Final Words
We have briefly explained the significance and benefits of charity in Islam and how it raises man’s status. I hope this article helped make you understand the importance of charity.
Read more about Asma ul Husna Benefits.
