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The unaware may think that they are rich, due to their dignity. But you can recognize them by certain signs; they never beg from the people persistently. Whatever charity you give, GOD is fully aware thereof.
God does not say that the people you help must be on the right path; the “traveling alien” may not necessarily be a “Submitter.” The poor have a right to a share in the wealth of the rich and we have to support them and look after their basic requirements. It is for the benefit of our own souls that we give. [51:19] A portion of their money was set aside for the beggar and the needy.
We will be accountable to God whether we fulfilled our responsibilities.
Some people may wonder why God would place an obligation on us to meet some of the basic needs of those who cannot do so (36:47). After all, He is the Provider. The reason is God is testing us, to see our behavior under all conditions—will we take the opportunity to grow our souls and be part of God's mercy (7:156)? [2:155] We will surely test you through some fear, hunger, and loss of money, lives, and crops. Give good news to the steadfast.
He is giving us yet another chance to redeem ourselves.
Even more than power, humans love their wealth. [100:8] He loves material things excessively.
Wealth is usually earned by hard work and intense dedication. So if we part with even a small portion of this, it would mirror our strong faith in God. Why? Because we realize what we have is given by the Grace of God and what we spend is a command of God and we get the resultant Mercy.
God is pleased with those who spend happily in His cause. [3:17] They are steadfast, truthful, submitting, charitable, and meditators at dawn.
[30:39] The usury that is practiced to increase some people's wealth, does not gain anything at GOD. But if you give to charity, seeking GOD's pleasure, these are the ones who receive their reward manifold.
Instead of depleting one’s resources, charity brings prosperity and happiness and freedom from apprehension and anxiety. [2:274] Those who give to charity night and day, secretly and publicly, receive their recompense from their Lord; they will have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve. [3:92] You cannot attain righteousness until you give to charity from the possessions you love. Whatever you give to charity, GOD is fully aware thereof.
This means we have to give from what we value.
Charity can be given directly to the needy or may be dispensed through a system set up for this purpose. The Quran makes a provision for the workers responsible for collection and administration of such funds. [9:60] Charities shall go to the poor, the needy, the workers who collect them, the new converts, to free the slaves, to those burdened by sudden expenses, in the cause of GOD, and to the traveling alien. Such is GOD's commandment. GOD is Omniscient, Most Wise.
Charity eliminates hoarding, which is condemned in the Quran. [102:1-2] You remain preoccupied with hoarding. Until you go to the graves.
Charity can help remove the envy of the poor and instead cultivate a feeling of fellowship from the recipients. Also, you will see a diminished rate of crime originating in poverty and hunger.
In giving Charity, we have to be humble and not act as if we were doing the receiver a favour. Also, it should not be followed by insult or reproach to the recipient. We cannot boast that we gave the charity. The Quran warns against this attitude.
will receive their recompense from their Lord; they have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve. Kind words and compassion are better than a charity that is followed by insult. GOD is Rich, Clement. O you who believe, do not nullify your charities by inflicting reproach and insult, like one who spends his money to show off, while disbelieving in GOD and the Last Day. His example is like a rock covered with a thin layer of soil; as soon as heavy rain falls, it washes off the soil, leaving it a useless rock. They gain nothing from their efforts. GOD does not guide disbelieving people.
Whatever we give in charity should be what we would accept if it were offered to us. Many people give away only items which they feel are not good enough for themselves. The Quran clarifies this: [2:267] O you who believe, you shall give to charity from the good things you earn, and from what we have produced for you from the earth. Do not pick out the bad therein to give away, when you yourselves do not accept it unless your eyes are closed. You should know that GOD is Rich, Praiseworthy.
Also, the Quran recommends charity to be given privately, though it could be given publicly too. [2:271] If you declare your charities, they are still good. But if you keep them anonymous, and give them to the poor, it is better for you, and remits more of your sins. GOD is fully Cognizant of everything you do. This may be to thwart haughtiness on the part of the giver and to avoid discomfort on the part of the receiver. The intention is very important. It has to be heartfelt and not a mere act of convenience or to brag about your wealth. It cannot be a bargaining device with God for a desired boon.
The charity giver should seek no reward in this world. [76:9] "We feed you for the sake of GOD; we expect no reward from you, nor thanks.
[2:272] You are not responsible for guiding anyone. GOD is the only one who guides whoever chooses (to be guided).
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