Charity is a fundamental aspect of Islam. The act of giving, whether in wealth, time, or good deeds, is highly encouraged. Charity strengthens the bond between people and pleases Allah. Through several authentic hadiths, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) has taught us the immense rewards and benefits of giving charity. Below are some key hadiths that highlight the importance of charity in Islam.
Charity Protects You from Calamity
English Translation
“The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Give charity without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity.” (Al-Tirmidhi)”
Urdu Translation
نبی اکرم ﷺ نے فرمایا: “صدقہ دینے میں دیر نہ کرو کیونکہ یہ مصیبتوں کے راستے میں کھڑا ہوتا ہے۔” (ترمذی)
Arabic Text
قال النبي محمد صلى الله عليه وسلم: “تصدقوا ولا تؤخروا، فإن الصدقة تقف في وجه البلاء.” (الترمذي)
Important Lessons from This Hadees
This hadith teaches us that charity serves as a shield, protecting us from unforeseen misfortunes. Whether it’s a personal or societal calamity, giving in charity can help avert hardships. When we are generous, Allah watches over us and keeps us safe from trials and difficulties that may come our way. Charity is not just a financial transaction but a spiritual safeguard.
Charity Prevents Miserliness
English Translation
“The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Avoid doing injustice to others, for on the Day of Judgment, it will turn into manifold darkness, and safeguard yourself against miserliness, for it ruined those who were before you. It incited them to murder and treating the unlawful as lawful.” (Muslim)”
Urdu Translation
“نبی اکرم ﷺ نے فرمایا: “ظلم سے بچو کیونکہ قیامت کے دن یہ کئی اندھیروں میں بدل جائے گا، اور کنجوسی سے بچو کیونکہ اس نے تم سے پہلے والوں کو تباہ کر دیا۔ یہ انہیں قتل اور ناجائز کو جائز سمجھنے کی طرف لے گیا۔” (مسلم)“
Arabic Text
“قال النبي محمد صلى الله عليه وسلم: “اجتنبوا الظلم فإنه ظلمات يوم القيامة، واتقوا الشح فإن الشح أهلك من كان قبلكم، حملهم على أن سفكوا دماءهم واستحلوا محارمهم.” (مسلم)“
Important Lessons from This Hadees
This hadith emphasizes the dangers of being miserly. Miserliness causes people to become greedy, selfish, and unjust. In extreme cases, it can lead to acts of harm, as highlighted by the Prophet (peace be upon him). Giving charity helps cleanse our hearts from such negative traits, promoting fairness and kindness. It reminds us to avoid the mistakes of past nations who let greed and miserliness lead them to destruction.
Charity Is a Good Deed That Never Ends
English Translation
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “When a man dies, his deeds come to an end except for three things: Sadaqah Jariyah (ceaseless charity); beneficial knowledge, or a virtuous descendant who prays for him.” (Muslim)
Urdu Translation
نبی اکرم ﷺ نے فرمایا: “جب انسان مر جاتا ہے تو اس کے اعمال ختم ہو جاتے ہیں سوائے تین چیزوں کے: جاری صدقہ، وہ علم جو فائدہ پہنچائے، یا وہ نیک اولاد جو اس کے لئے دعا کرے۔” (مسلم)
Arabic Text
قال النبي محمد صلى الله عليه وسلم: “إذا مات الإنسان انقطع عمله إلا من ثلاثة: صدقة جارية، أو علم ينتفع به، أو ولد صالح يدعو له.” (مسلم)
Important Lessons from This Hadees
This hadith is a powerful reminder that charity continues to benefit a person even after their death. Sadaqah Jariyah, or ongoing charity, is an act that keeps giving. Examples include building a well, planting a tree, or funding educational projects. These acts continue to benefit others, and the reward keeps accumulating for the giver long after they have passed away. Charity, in this sense, is an eternal good deed.
Charity as a Shade on the Day of Judgment
English Translation
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his charity.” (Al-Tirmidhi)
Urdu Translation
نبی اکرم ﷺ نے فرمایا: “قیامت کے دن مومن کا سایہ اس کا صدقہ ہو گا۔” (ترمذی)
Arabic Text
قال النبي محمد صلى الله عليه وسلم: “ظل المؤمن يوم القيامة صدقته.” (الترمذي)
Important Lessons from This Hadith
On the Day of Judgment, when everyone will be facing immense heat and fear, charity will act as a protective shade for the believer. This hadith tells us how giving charity will not only benefit us in this world but also in the afterlife. It will be a source of comfort and protection when we need it the most. It inspires us to give more in charity, knowing its long-lasting impact on our lives here and in the Hereafter.
Charity Protects You from Hellfire
English Translation
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Protect yourself from hell-fire even by giving a piece of date as charity.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
Urdu Translation
نبی اکرم ﷺ نے فرمایا: “جہنم کی آگ سے خود کو بچاؤ، چاہے ایک کھجور کے ٹکڑے کے ذریعے صدقہ کر کے۔” (بخاری و مسلم)
Arabic Text
قال النبي محمد صلى الله عليه وسلم: “اتقوا النار ولو بشق تمرة.” (البخاري ومسلم)
Important Lessons from This Hadith
This hadith shows that no act of charity is too small. Even giving something as simple as a piece of a date can serve as protection from the Hellfire. What matters is the intention and willingness to give, no matter how little. Charity, no matter the amount, can have a profound effect on our spiritual well-being and safeguard us from punishment in the Hereafter.
Reference of the Hadiths
Al-Tirmidhi Collection of hadiths compiled by Imam Al-Tirmidhi, known for its focus on authenticity.
Sahih Muslim One of the most authentic collections of hadith, recognized for its reliability and comprehensive classification.
Al-Bukhari Highly regarded as one of the most authentic sources of hadith, compiled by Imam Al-Bukhari.
Sahih Muslim and Bukhari These two collections are known as the most authentic sources of Islamic teachings.
Conclusion
Charity is a powerful act that not only brings immense rewards but also protects us from harm, misfortune, and even Hellfire. The hadiths on charity encourage believers to give freely, reminding us that charity benefits both the giver and the receiver. By practising charity, we can elevate our status in the eyes of Allah, secure protection from calamities, and ensure lasting rewards that continue even after we have left this world.