Charity, or "zakat" in Islam, is an essential component of the faith. Muslims believe that giving to those in need is not only a moral obligation but also a way to purify one's wealth and earn reward from Allah. The importance of charity in Islam can be seen in its inclusion as one of the Five Pillars of Islam, alongside prayer, fasting, pilgrimage, and the declaration of faith.

While many religions promote the act of giving to those in need, the approach to charity in Islam is unique in several ways.

Firstly, in Islam, charity is not merely seen as a good deed or a way to feel good about oneself. Instead, it is considered a fundamental duty that every Muslim is obliged to fulfill. As mentioned above, this duty is called "zakat" and is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which are the essential practices that shape a Muslim's life.

Secondly, in Islam, charity is not just limited to giving money or material possessions. It also includes giving one's time, skills, knowledge and even being kind to others.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said,

in Islam, there is a strong emphasis on giving in secret and without seeking recognition or praise.

The Quran and Hadiths repeatedly stress the importance of giving with sincerity and humility, and not for the sake of showing off or gaining social status.

One of the most well-known verses in the Quran about charity is Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 271:

The verse emphasizes the importance of giving in secret and without seeking recognition or praise. It is a reminder that the true purpose of charity is to help those in need, not to gain social status or recognition.

Another important aspect of charity in Islam is the concept of "sadaqah jariyah" or ongoing charity. This refers to acts of charity that continue to benefit people even after the giver has passed away. Examples of ongoing charity include building a mosque, digging a well, or funding an educational project. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said,

Charity is also a means of attaining closeness to Allah and seeking His forgiveness. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said,

This hadith emphasizes the transformative power of charity and how it can purify one's soul and expiate one's sins.

Does one has to be well-off to give charity?

No, in fact, one of the unique features of Islamic charity is that it emphasizes the importance of giving according to one's means. The Quran says,

This verse highlights the idea that charity is not just for the wealthy, but for everyone, regardless of their financial situation. Muslims are encouraged to give whatever they can, no matter how small, as long as it is given with sincerity and a desire to help others.

Islam's approach to charity is needed now more than ever due to the many challenges and crises facing our world today.

The COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, poverty, and conflict are just a few of the pressing issues that are affecting millions of people worldwide. In these difficult times, Islamic charitable practices can offer much-needed hope and support to those in need.

As discussed above, one of the reasons why Islam's approach to charity is particularly relevant today is its emphasis on giving according to one's means. With so many people struggling financially due to the pandemic, it is more important than ever to ensure that everyone has access to basic needs such as food, shelter, and healthcare. Islamic charitable practices, such as the obligatory donation of zakat, can help provide critical support to those who are most vulnerable.

Furthermore, Islam's focus on ongoing charity or "sadaqah jariyah" can be especially beneficial in addressing the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and other crises. Projects such as funding healthcare facilities, educational programs, and sustainable development initiatives can help create lasting benefits for communities in need.

The following are some of the recaps of the guidelines for zakat:

• Who is obligated to pay zakat: Zakat is obligatory on all Muslims who possess a certain minimum amount of wealth (known as nisab) for a full lunar year. The nisab amount is determined based on the current market value of gold or silver.
• What is subject to zakat: Zakat is payable on certain types of wealth, including cash, gold and silver, business assets, livestock, and crops.
• Zakat rate: The rate of zakat varies depending on the type of wealth being donated. For example, the rate for cash and savings is 2.5% while the rate for agricultural products ranges from 5-10%.
• Recipients of zakat: Zakat is given to specific categories of people in need, including the poor, the needy, those in debt, those working in the way of Allah, and others.
• Zakat distribution: Zakat should be distributed directly to the recipients or through trusted organizations that have a proven track record of distributing zakat effectively.
• Timing of zakat payment: Zakat should be paid annually, based on the lunar calendar.
• Intentions behind zakat: Zakat should be given with the intention of seeking Allah's pleasure and helping those in need, rather than for personal gain or social status.

In conclusion, the importance of charity in Islam cannot be overstated. It is a duty that Muslims are obligated to fulfill, and it plays a crucial role in promoting social justice and supporting the poor and needy. Charity is not just about giving money; it also includes volunteering one's time and skills and performing acts of kindness and compassion. Through charity, Muslims can attain closeness to Allah, seek His forgiveness, and earn reward in the Hereafter.