Almsgiving

Almsgiving in Islam

Definition

Almsgiving is a significant concept in Islam, denoting the act of giving charity to those in need. It embodies two principal forms: Ṣadaqah (صدقة) and Zakāt (زكاة). Ṣadaqah broadly refers to voluntary charity and represents acts of righteousness, whereas Zakāt is the mandatory alms that purify wealth.

Etymology

• Ṣadaqah (صدقة): Derived from the Arabic root ‘ṣ-d-q’ (ص-د-ق), meaning “truth” or “righteousness”. Thus, Ṣadaqah signifies an act that manifests truthfulness and integrity.
• Zakāt (زكاة): From the Arabic root ‘z-k-a’ (ز-ك-ا), meaning “to purify”. Zakāt implies the purification and growth of wealth through mandatory charitable giving.

Turkish Translations

• Ṣadaqah: Sadaka
• Zakāt: Zekat

Qur’anic References

The duty of almsgiving is iterated extensively in the Qur’an. Examples include:

• Sūrah Al-Baqarah (2:274-275):

  <p>“What ye expend of good, it shall be paid to you again, and ye shall not be wronged. (Give your alms) unto the poor who are straitened in God’s way and cannot traverse the earth&hellip; Those who expend their wealth by night and by day, secretly and openly, they shall have their hire with their Lord.”</p>

Sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (Hadith)

Almsgiving is emphasized through multiple sayings (Hadith). Some of these include:

• “The upper hand is better than the lower one. The upper hand is the giver of alms, and the lower hand is the poor beggar.” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī)
• “The best of alms are those given by a man of small means, who gives of that which he has earned by labor, and gives as much as he is able.” (Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim)
• “Doing justice between two people is alms; assisting a man on his beast is alms; good words are alms.” (Ṣunan Abū Dāwūd)
• “Your smiling in your brother’s face is alms; assisting the blind is alms.” (Jāmiʻ at-Tirmidhī)

Types of Almsgiving

1. Ṣadaqah:

   • Voluntary Charity: Any act of giving out of free will. It includes money, time, effort, or simple acts of kindness.
   • Non-Monetary Acts: Helping others, smiling, or spreading good words.

2. Zakāt:

   • Obligatory Charity: A compulsory act for those who meet specific wealth criteria. Calculated at 2.5% of an individual’s savings and wealth above a certain threshold.
   • Purpose: To assist the needy, poor, travelers, and to support those who are in debt or engaged in various charitable causes mentioned in the Qur’an.

Further Reading

For an in-depth understanding, consider the following books:

• “The Charity in Islam” by Yusuf al-Qaradawi
• “Ṣadaqah and Zakāt in the Light of Modern Economic Theory” by Monzer Kahf
• “The Spirit of Islam” by Syed Ameer Ali
• “Risalat al-Mustarsheed: A Short Guide to Sufi Ethics” by Al-Qushayri

Takeaways and Conclusion

Almsgiving in Islam, encompassing both Ṣadaqah and Zakāt, is not merely a financial act but a spiritual one, symbolizing the compassion, solidarity, and social responsibility expected of every Muslim. It reflects the faith’s emphasis on communal welfare, equality, and piety.

By understanding and practicing these forms of charity, Muslims can concurrently purify their wealth and contribute to societal harmony and support for the less fortunate.

In conclusion, almsgiving is an intrinsic element of Islamic practice, offering both material and spiritual fulfillment, thereby reinforcing the community’s economic and social fabric.