We all know that giving charity is a generous and caring act, but what does Islam say on the topic?
Is charity merely the giving of money, or does it mean something more than that? Here are 10 hadiths on giving charity and the best charitable acts one can do:
1. Giving charity provides shade on the Day of Judgment
The Messenger of Allah (SAW) has said: “The earth on the Day of Resurrection will be scorching, except for the shadow of a believer, for verily his charity will serve him as shade.” (Kanzul Ummal: Volume 11, Page 616)
2. Pleasing Allah (swt)
The Messenger of Allah (SAW) has said: “Verily charity extinguishes the wrath of the Lord.” (Kanzul Ummal: Volume 11, Page 616)
3. Blocking the door for evil
The Messenger of Allah (SAW) has said: “Charity blocks seventy doorways to evil.” (Biharul Anwar: Volume 94, Page 132)
4. Reducing poverty
Imam Ali has said: “If you are reduced to poverty then trade with Allah (swt) through charity.” (Nahjul Balagha, Saying 258)
5. Settling debts
Imam Al-Sadiq has said: “Giving in charity helps settle debts and leaves behind only blessings.” (Biharul Anwar: Volume 94, Page 132)
6. Be charitable in your actions
The Messenger of Allah (SAW) has said: “Every single Muslim must give charity every single day.” When asked who would be capable of doing such a thing, he replied, “your removal of an obstacle in the road is a charitable act; your guiding someone is a charitable act; your visit to the sick is a charitable act; your enjoinment of good to others is a charitable act; your forbidding of others from wrongdoing is a charitable act, and your returning the greeting of peace is a charitable act.” (Biharul Anwar: Volume 75, Page 50)
7. Guard your tongue
The Messenger of Allah (SAW) has said: “Guard your tongue, for verily this is a charitable act that you perform for your own sake.” (Al-Kafi: Volume 2, Page 114)
8. Reconciling estranged people
Imam Al-Sadiq has said: “A charitable act that Allah loves indeed is reconciling people when they have become estranged to one another, and bringing them close together when they have become distanced from each other.” (Al-Kafi: Volume 2, Page 209)
9. Teaching is charity
The Messenger of Allah (SAW) has said: “The best for of charity is for the Muslim to gain knowledge and then teach it to his fellow Muslim brother.” (Kanzul Ummal: Volume 11, Page 618)
10. The amount of giving
Imam Al-Kadhim has said: “Do not give away of yourself to your brothers so much that the loss incurred for you supercedes the benefit of them.” (Al-Kafi: Volume 24, Page 33)
