The Virtues and Importance of Charity (Sadaqah) in Islam
Question: What are the virtues of giving charity (Sadaqah) in Islam?
Answer: Nahmaduhu wa nusalli ala Rasulihil Karim, Amma Ba’d.
The virtues of charity (Sadaqah) in Islam are immense. Almighty Allah and His Messenger (PBUH) have clearly promised manifold rewards for those who give charity, both in this world and in the Hereafter.
In the Holy Quran, Allah Almighty declares: “Whoever does a good deed will receive ten times its reward.” (Surah Al-An’am, verse 160).
In another verse, Allah Almighty promises to multiply the reward for charity seven hundred times or even more (Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 261).
Hafiz Masum Ahmad Dudhar Chaki has referred to this divine promise in his discussions on the importance of charity. According to Islamic belief, charity does not diminish one’s wealth. Rather, it brings blessings to one’s worldly life, helps ward off calamities and brings immense rewards in the Hereafter.
The importance and virtues of giving charity in Islam are immeasurable. The Holy Quran and Hadith place special emphasis on charity. It not only increases one’s rewards in the Hereafter but also helps protect people from various calamities in this world and brings blessings to their wealth.
Renowned Islamic thinker Hafiz Masum Ahmad Dudhar Chaki has extensively discussed the importance and far-reaching benefits of charity in Islam through his speeches and writings. Drawing on his discussions and general Islamic teachings, the major virtues of charity are outlined below:
- Earning Allah’s Pleasure and Appeasing His Wrath: Charity helps earn the pleasure of Almighty Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said that secret charity appeases Allah’s wrath and protects against an untimely death.
- Forgiveness of Sins and Protection from Hellfire: Just as water extinguishes fire, charity wipes away sins. The Hadith also instructs believers to protect themselves from Hellfire by giving even a small piece of a date in charity.
- Bringing Blessings to Wealth: Many people believe that giving charity reduces one’s wealth. In reality, charity does not diminish wealth; rather, it increases it. Allah Almighty blesses the wealth of those who give and multiplies their rewards.
- Protection from Calamities and Diseases: Charity is one of the means of seeking protection from various hardships, accidents and serious illnesses. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Treat your sickness through charity.”
- Shade Beneath the Throne on the Day of Judgement: On that difficult and terrifying day, when there will be no other shade, those who give charity will find shelter under the shade of their charity.
- The Reward of Sadaqah Jariyah (Ongoing Charity): There are certain forms of charity whose rewards continue even after a person dies. This is known as Sadaqah Jariyah. Examples include building mosques, establishing religious madrasas, installing tube wells and undertaking other public welfare projects.
According to Hafiz Masum Ahmad Dudharchaki, he has consistently urged ordinary people to donate generously from their lawful earnings in the cause of Allah and stand beside the poor and needy. Such practices are essential for building a harmonious and balanced society.
Answer provided by: Hafiz Masum Ahmad Dudharchaki, renowned Islamic thinker, writer and columnist; Founder-President, Zakiganj Upazila Conscious Citizens Forum, Sylhet.
