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grace. But of that 100,000 that you gave, only 2.5% was obligatory; the rest was voluntary.
In Arabic, there are two terms that are well-known and associated with charity, one is “sadaqah” and the other is “zakat”. Most of us understand charity as the broader term and that Zakat is a specific kind of charity because it is the “obligatory” part (see previous article in the January 2023 issue).
We see in https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sadaqah: The term ‘sadaqah’ stems from the Arabic root word ‘sidq’ (s-d-q) ص د ق, which means sincerity and it is considered as a sign of sincere faith. The three-letter root of this word, S-D-Q, also means, “to speak the truth,” “to be sincere,” and “to fulfill one’s promise.”
For example, the same root word is used at the end of 2:177 “sadaqu”
[2:177] Righteousness is not turning your faces towards the east or the west. Righteous are those who believe in GOD, the Last Day, the angels, the scripture, and the prophets; and they give the money, cheerfully, to the relatives, the orphans, the needy, the traveling alien, the beggars, and to free the slaves; and they observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat); and they keep their word whenever they make a promise; and they steadfastly persevere in the face of persecution, hardship, and war. These are the truthful; these are the righteous.
While the verses usually associate sadaqah with money, it’s not always the case. For example, we see in 5:45 a non-monetary form of charity:
[5:45] And we decreed for them in it that: the life for the life, the eye for the eye, the nose for the nose, the ear for the ear, the tooth for the tooth, and an equivalent injury for any injury. If one forfeits what is due to him as a charity, it will atone for his sins.
Those who do not rule in accordance with GOD’s revelations are the unjust.
One of the first references to “sadaqah” in the Quran also points out the mentality to give with.
[2:263] Kind words and compassion are better than a charity that is followed by insult. GOD is Rich, Clement. [2:264] 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.
Research shows that giving people cash along with “psychosocial support” has significant advantages. Training people in business or in other life skills can provide long lasting benefits to the recipient.
God also tells us how and what to give to charity: [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.
[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.
If we can keep charity anonymous it is better: [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.
We also learn that giving charity is for our own good, and should be done only for the sake of God:
[2:272] … Any charity you give is for your own good. Any charity you give shall be for the sake of GOD. Any charity you give will be repaid to you, without the least injustice.
[76:8] They donate their favorite food to the poor, the orphan, and the captive. [76:9] “We feed you for the sake of GOD; we expect no reward from you, nor thanks. [76:10] “We fear from our Lord a day that is full of misery and trouble.” [76:11] Consequently, GOD protects them from the evils of that day, and rewards them with joy and contentment.
And although we don’t do it for the worldly gain, giving to charity has benefits to the recipient and society in general. Which helps us see the wisdom in God’s system. Of course, God could have fed everyone directly, but we chose to come here and experience Satan’s kingdom. And that includes realizing that only God can provide. So, even though there is enough food, due to all kinds of worldly limitations, people still go hungry. God turned that into a test (opportunity) for people to act righteously.
And for those who do not believe in God or are not doing their charity for God, He put in worldly rewards as well.
An online article in psychologytoday.com is titled: “Worried About Money? Give Some Away”. An extract follows, discussing the research on how charity provides benefits to the giver.
Although it might seem counterintuitive, there’s evidence that giving away even a small sum may help ease your financial stress. In a study published in Science in 2008, participants were given an envelope containing either $5 or $20 in the morning and asked to spend the money by 5 p.m. Those randomly assigned to a “personal spending” group were told to use the money on a personal expense or gift for themselves,
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