A Message to Charitable People

2:1:32

2025-04-08

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The giver of charity should pay attention to the following points:

First: Sincerity of Intention

The giver of charity should be sincere in his intention and beware of showing off and seeking a reputation, as these invalidate charity nullify its reward. Allah, the Almighty, says: “O you who have believed, do not invalidate your charities with reminders or injury, as one who spends his wealth [only] to be seen by people.” This means: “Do not invalidate your charities with reminders or injury, as the charity of one who shows off to people is invalidated by reminding them that he seeks the pleasure of Allah, but his only intention is to be praised by people, or to gain fame for his good qualities, so that people will praise him, or say that he is generous, and similar worldly goals.”

Second: Avoiding Reminders and Injury

The giver of charity should avoid reminding others of the charity. Because Islam does not intend spending merely to fill a gap, fill a stomach, or fulfill a need. Rather, it intends it to refine, purify, and cleanse the giver's soul, to appeal to his humane feelings, and to strengthen his connection with his poor brother for the sake of Allah and humanity. It also serves as a reminder of Allah's blessing upon him and His covenant with him in this blessing, that he should eat from it without extravagance and spend from it in the way of Allah without withholding or denying it.

Third: You Should Give Secret Charity

Concealing and keeping charity secret elevates a servant's status and is better for him before his Lord than revealing it. This is more indicative of the strength of his sincerity and distances him from ostentation, hypocrisy, and seeking a good reputation. It is also more discreet for the recipient and more beloved to him. Allah Almighty says: "If you disclose your charitable expenditures, they are good, but if you conceal them and give them to the poor, it is better for you, and He will remove from you some of your misdeeds. And Allah is Acquainted with what you do."

Fourth: Give charity from lawful and pure sources.

Allah, the Almighty, possesses attributes of perfection and majesty. He is free from any shortcomings or defects. He, glory be to Him, does not accept from His servants, nor should they seek to draw near to Him or spend in His cause except in a manner befitting Him and befitting His majesty, from lawful wealth. This is in accordance with the words of Allah, the Almighty: "O you who have believed, spend from the good things which you have earned and from that which We have produced for you from the earth. And do not aim toward the bad therefrom, spending [in charity] while you would not take it [from Allah] except with closed eyes."

Fifth: Your closest relatives are more deserving of your charity.

One of the best and most trustworthy forms of goodness, and one of the greatest and most deserving of kindness, is to look after relatives, be kind to them, and give charity to those in need. This demonstrates the integrity of one's soul, honors one's family, and maintains kinship ties. Allah, the Almighty, says: "And give wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, and the needy."