Significance and importance of Sadaqat/charity in Islam according to the Hadith & Seerah of Prophet (S.W.A.S)???
Being caring and compassionate for one’s fellow human beings is a central part of Islam.
When reading the Qur'an, one cannot help being struck by the number of times charity is mentioned: Feeding the poor and needy, supporting orphans, relatives and travelers, spending in the way of Allah… All of these references’ emphasis the importance of charity for every Muslim.
The concept of charity in Islam is thus linked with justice.
It is not limited to the redressed of grievances. It implies apart from the removal of handicaps, the recognition of the right that every human being has to attain the fullness of life.
The following five words are the most frequently used words to describe charity in the Noble Qur’an:
1. Infaq fi Sabil Allah (spending in the path of Allah). Infaq Meaning spending benevolently.
2. Ihsan Meaning the doing of good or (kindness and consideration)
3. Zakah Meaning growth or purification
4. Sadaqah Derived from the root sidq and meaning truth, and comes to signify charitable deed.
5. Khayrat Meaning good deeds.
According to Prophet (S.A.W) Hadith and Serah importance of Charity in Islam:
It Protects You from Calamity:
The Prophet (S.A.W), said: “Give charity without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity.” (Al-Tirmidhi)
It Protects You from Being Miserly
Muhammad (S.A.W), 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)
It Is A Good Deed That Never Ends
Muhammad (S.A.W), said: "When a man dies, his deeds come to an end except for three things: Sadaqah Jariyah (ceaseless charity); a knowledge which is beneficial, or a virtuous descendant who prays for him (for the deceased)." (Muslim)
It Protects You from the Hellfire:
Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace, said, “Protect yourself from hell-fire even by giving a piece of date as charity.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
It Increases What Allah (SWT) Grants You:
“Allah, the Exalted, says, ‘Spend, O son of Adam, and I shall spend on you.’” – Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).
Charity Elevates Your Status:
Muhammad, upon him be peace, said: “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)
Seek Only Allah (SWT)’s Pleasure with Charity
The Prophet, upon him be peace, said: “A crafty one, a miser, and one who keeps reminding people of what he has given, will not enter Paradise.” (Tirmidhi)
Shade on the day of judgement:
The Prophet said: “The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his charity.” (Al-Tirmidhi)
On the day when all other shade will be gone, Allah will shade and shelter those who give charity and care for the poor. The Muslim’s sacrifice in th will be their protection on the Day of Judgment.
Helping Family in Need:
It is acceptable to give one's charity to those in need in one's own family.
The Prophet said: “To give something to a poor man brings one reward, while giving the same to a needy relation brings two: one for charity and the other for respecting the family ties.” (Al-Tirmidhi)
