Poor & Needy in Islam
Who are you feeding this Ramadan?
Charity in Islam is more than merely giving money, food and clothing to the poor and needy. It is a great act of worship.
When a Muslim gives charity, his or her main reason is to please Allah and seek His reward. A true Muslim would never help the poor so that others can see what a good person he or she is.
By seeking Allah’s pleasure, a Muslim is taking this act of charity beyond human recognition and humbling himself before Allah.
There are many aspects to alms-giving in Islam.
Zakat – this is the compulsory charity that all Muslims must pay based on the wealth they possess at the time of payment. In the Quran Allah says:
“Take alms from their wealth in order to purify them and sanctify them with it.” [Quran 9:103]
The minimum amount to pay is roughly two and a half per cent of the wealth you possess.
In secret – It is better to give charity in secret because you can then be sure that your intention is solely for Allah’s pleasure. Giving in public is fine as long as you do not do it to impress people. Abu Hureira reported that the Prophet (PBUH) said that "One of the seven types of people who are given shade on the Day of Judgment are those who give charity 'so secretly that their left hand do not know what his right hand has given' (nobody knows how much he has given in charity).”
Clean money – Charity should be given with money that is earned in a halal (permissible) manner, i.e. not involving gambling, alcohol, Interest etc.
Rewards – If you sacrifice some of your wealth for the sake of Allah, you can be sure that Allah will multiply your reward, either in this world or in the afterlife.
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| Delhi: A man and child break their fast after sunset on the first day of Ramadan at Jama mosque |
Who are you feeding this Ramadan?
For most of those who fast during the month of Ramadan, hunger and thirst are only temporary. By sundown, fasting is usually broken with a feast fit for a king.
But for those living in poverty in places like Baghdad, Gaza, Mogadishu, and the American inner city, hunger and thirst can be a way of life—all day, every day. Their suffering must not be ignored!
As you strive to worship Allah (swt) and seek His pleasure in this holy month, Life for Relief and Development wishes to offer you an opportunity to impact the lives of many through a single act of charity.
Although it varies from country to country, food baskets usually carry things like dates, rice, flour, oil, fresh vegetables, canned meat, pasta, beans, etc.
Indeed, Allah’s reward for feeding one fasting person during Ramadan is great. By donating a food basket to a family in need, you will be feeding an average of 7 people, and not only one time, but every day for a whole month. Imagine the rewards that can be earned from such a good deed!
It only takes a couple of clicks on your computer, so please take the time to donate now.
Some Hadiths:
"He who gives food for a fasting person to break his fast, he will receive the same reward as him except that nothing will be reduced from the fasting person's rewards."
'Cure your sick people with Sadaqa (i.e. charity)!'
“Verily, charity appeases the wrath of Allah and eases the suffering of death.”
“When a person dies, his actions come to an end except in respect to three things that he leaves behind: a continuous charity, beneficial knowledge that helps others, and righteous children who pray for him.”
A’ishah reported: “Once a man said to the prophet (PBUH), ‘My mother suddenly died, and I believe that, she lived longer, she would have given something is charity. Would she receive reward if I were to give charity on her behalf?’ At that, the prophet S.A.S replied, “Yes! You should give something in charity on her behalf.”
Quran says about the righteous:
"They give food, out of love for Him (Allah), to the poor, the orphan, and the slave, saying: We feed you only for Allah's pleasure - we desire from you neither reward nor thanks." [Quran 76:8-9]
'Who is he that will loan to Allah a beautiful loan which Allah will double unto his credit and multiply it many times?' [Quran 2: 245]
'O ye who believe, spend from what you (lawfully) earned' [Quran 2: 267]
'By no means shall you attain righteousness unless you give (freely as a charity) from that which you love; and whatever you spend Allah knows it well.' [Quran 3: 92]
Which charity organization?
Following questions were asked from Islamic Charity organizations listed below, Inshallah use the results to help you decide who to donate to this Ramadan also visit their sites to see what regions they support and help.
- How much of the donation money is used for organization expenses (admin expenses, bills, salary, overhead, etc)?
- How much of the donation money is given to 3rd parties (that move money around for you for a small fee)?
- How much of the donation money actually gets to those in need?
Organizations' Responses to the above three Questions
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Life USA - www.lifeusa.org
Thank you very much for taking the time to contact us. To answer your question Shariaan we are allowed to take up to 12.5%., but our organization takes between 9-10 % only, which includes the third party you mentioned below, and the rest of the 90-91% goes to the those in need.
Jazak Allahu Khairan and I hope that I have answered your questions
Salam,
Noor Abdulla
Administrative Assistant
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Hidaya Foundation - www.hidaya.org
How much of the donation money is used for organization expenses (admin expenses, bills, salary, etc)?
Kindly review our last year’s financials for detail overhead is approximately under 6%.
How much of the donation money is given to 3rd parties (that move money around for you for a small cut)?
None what so ever.
How much of the donation money actually gets to those in need?
Over 94% as little less than 6% is overhead. Should you have more questions, kindly feel free to write or call at 408 244-3282 or toll free 866 244-3292
Sincerely,
Waseem Baloch
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Helping Hand for Relief & Development - www.helpinghandonline.org
How much of the donation money is used for organization expenses (admin expenses, bills, salary, etc)?
Maximum of 7% administrative expenses.
Maximum 8% on other related expense
How much of the donation money actually gets to those in need?
More than 85% goes to the relief program to help the needy
Nuzhat Jawed
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Bailumaal - www.baitulmaal.org
What can you do?
One box of basic food supply is $50.00 and enough to feed a family of 7 for 2 weeks in most countries.