Want to be successful? Adopt a “giving” lifestyle

Showing compassion, empathy and care for our fellow brothers and sisters resides at the heart of what it means to be a true Muslim. Islam places great emphasis on the concept of ‘giving’, particularly to those in need. However, it is true that we, as Muslims, as humans, cannot be reminded enough of this fact.

Charity is much more than just an act of giving money to the destitute, it constitutes leading an overall ‘giving’ lifestyle. We, as Muslims, have a religious duty to give charity- be it in terms of money, time, kind acts and good deeds carried out for the sake of Allah (SWT). Allah (SWT) loves those who spend selflessly towards the cause of charity and serve as a means of comfort to His creation.

“Who is it that would lend Allah a goodly loan so He may multiply it for him many times over? And it is Allah who withholds and grants abundance, and to Him you will be returned.” (The Holy Qur’an, 2:245)

Why you should give Charity

Charity benefits both the giver and the recipient. The giver is increasingly blessed and rewarded by Allah (SWT) and retains a sense of humbleness and the taker finds some solace in his increasing difficulties.

By spending one’s wealth in the way of Allah (SWT), a believer is reminded of the fact that everything he/she owns and is blessed with, is not of his/her own volition, but because of Allah’s (SWT) will and generosity. In return, Allah (SW) wishes us to be generous and compassionate to the people around us, instead of hoarding our possessions and wealth.

It is obligatory for every Muslim to give a yearly portion of their wealth to charity, but charity is not restricted to monetary funds. In fact, all good deeds are a form of charity as stated by the Prophet (PBUH) himself:

"Every act of goodness is charity." (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 496).

Benefits of Charity:

• Allah (SWT) promises us that charity given in times of difficulty and comfort alike, will lead to an increase in sustenance. Giving in the way of Allah (SWT) enriches our heart and soul and awakens a sense of compassion and concern for the wellbeing of those beyond the self.
• It frees us from the epidemic of ‘wanting’ and serves as a reminder that this world and everything in it is temporary and belongs to Allah (SWT) and should be utilized to help God’s creation.
• We learn to love for others what we love for ourselves, and want for them what we want for ourselves; the crux of Muslim unity.
• Everything that we dispense in the way of Allah (SWT), no matter how small or insignificant, cleanses our spiritual self and purifies our soul.

In the bigger picture

Giving charity does not reduce wealth, but in fact paves the way for greater wealth and blessings in this world and the Hereafter. Whatever we give in the way of Allah (SWT), is replaced with even greater means by Allah (SWT), for He is the ultimate provider and caretaker.

Therefore, we, as Muslims, should integrate the act of ‘giving’ in our everyday lives and adopt it as a lifestyle itself. We should consciously do good for our fellow brothers and sisters, for the effort, time and money we spend in the name of charity and in the way of Allah (SWT) will surely be rewarded with eternal blessings and rewards in the Hereafter.

"The believer's shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his charity." (Al-Tirmidhi: 604)