The Importance of Giving Back

By Shanzeh Malik, Director of Design

There are two notable types of charity: zakat and sadaqah. Zakat is obligatory for all Muslims when they begin to earn on their own through a job or another halal way in which they receive a steady income. Why is it a must and what is the purpose of it? Zakat is a charity, giving to those that are not able to earn themselves because of whatever hardships or circumstances they may be going through. Furthermore, zakat is also used as a way to humble ourselves when we give to others in the hope that we will realize to appreciate the wealth that we have and constantly be thankful for it. So essentially, zakat is a two-way street! It benefits you and someone in need, a win-win! Hence, it is important to be thankful for what Allah (SWT) has given us and to share it with those that have less to be able to humble our hearts and souls.

"Be steadfast in prayer and regular in charity. Whatever good you send forth for your souls before you, you shall find it with Allah. For Allah sees well all that you do" (2:110).

Sadaqah, alternatively called “volunteer charity,” is a type of charity that is not required and is given by choice. This charity doesn’t necessarily have to do with money and is often done throughout most of our days without even a realization. An example of sadaqah can be as simple as a smile, a small act of kindness that can warm the hearts and do more than one may think. Other examples can include picking up trash at the beach, giving someone directions to find their way to their destination, giving advice to a friend, etc. Some of these simple yet warming acts of kindness is a form of charity. Like zakat, performing sadaqah is beneficial for both the giver and the perceiver.

When giving any type of charity, the receiver gets what is given to them. The giver may feel that they are in a loss since they lost something to give it; however, that is not the case because Allah (SWT) has promised that He will reward the giver either in this life or the next. Examples of things that the giver gets are things like receiving shade on the Day of Judgment and protecting themself from misfortune. Of course, do not solely give for the intention that you will receive these things but give donations and charity with the intention of alleviating the difficulty of a person and brightening their day.

We pray to Allah (SWT) that we become or continue to be giving people and to keep our hearts in the right direction. We pray that we avoid falling into the void of greed and to be able to give what Allah (SWT) has given to us to those who don’t have as much. We ask that our acts of charity are accepted and are helpful for the receiver.