Understanding Charity in Islam and the various Donation Types
In the spirit of generosity and compassion, Islam encourages various forms of charitable giving, each with its own unique purpose and blessings. Whether you're a seasoned donor or starting your philanthropic journey, understanding these options empowers you to give effectively and align your giving with your values.
This guide serves as your compass, navigating you through the importance of Islamic Charity:
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Zakat: The literal meaning of Zakat is ‘to cleanse’ or ‘purification’. In the Islamic faith, Zakat means purifying your wealth for Allah SWT’s will, acknowledging that everything we own belongs to Allah SWT and working towards the betterment of the Muslim Ummah. The Zakat owed by those obligated to pay is 2.5% of one year’s (lunar year) total cumulative wealth. Learn more about Zakat calculation, eligibility, and distribution channels on our website's dedicated Zakat page.
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Sadaqah: Voluntary charity, Sadaqah, signifies selfless giving and carries immense rewards. From supporting individuals to enriching communities, Sadaqah's potential for good is limitless. Explore our Sadaqah Guide to discover impactful causes and convenient giving options.
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Sadaqah Jariyah: ‘Jariyah’ has the root meaning of ‘running’ or ‘flowing’ with the implication being that the charity one gives continues to provide benefit to its recipients long after the original donation. ‘Sadaqah Jariyah’ may be thought of as ‘ever-flowing charity’ and, as such, is a special form of charity.
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Fitrah (Zakat al Fitr): Fitrah is also often referred to as Sadaqat al-Fitr. The word Fitr means the same as Iftaar, “breaking a fast”, and it comes from the same root word as Futoor, meaning “breakfast”. Thus, in Islam, Fitrah is the name given to the charity that is distributed at the end of the fast of Ramadan. Discover the Fitrah calculation and distribution guidelines on our website, ensuring your contribution reaches those who need it most.
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Interest (Riba): The concept of 'Riba' or interest in Islam is not merely a financial term but a principle that guides the economic ethics of Muslims. With its roots in the Arabic language, 'Riba' translates to 'excess' or 'increase,' and in the Islamic Shari‘ah, it pertains to the prohibited practice of conducting financial transactions associated with interest.
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Fedyah (Fidya): Fedyah (Fidya) serves as a compassionate provision in Islam for those unable to fast during Ramadan due to genuine reasons such as old age, illness, or disability.
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Kaffarah: Kaffarah, also known as Kaffara, is a significant concept in Islamic jurisprudence. Stemming from the Arabic root kaf • fa • ra, it translates to "atonement" or "expiation" and refers to a compensatory act required when certain sacred obligations are violated.
- Qurban (Uhiyah): Qurban, Qurbani, or Uḍḥiya as it is known in Arabic, is the practice of sacrificing an animal for Allah (SWT). Every year, on the days of Eid al-Adha (from 10th to 13th of Dhul Hijjah), Muslims around the world sacrifice an animal to mark the completion of Hajj. This practice commemorates the sacrifice of Ibrahim (as) thousands of years ago, who was prepared to sacrifice his beloved son for Allah’s sake.
Other Helpful Tools and Guides
Remember, every act of giving, big or small, ripples outward, creating a wave of positive change. Let this guide be your stepping stone on your journey of impactful giving through Islamic donations. Explore our website for detailed information, inspiring stories, and secure donation options. May your generosity be a source of blessings for you and the world around you.