Giving: Helping the oneself

Islam teaches total trust. The faith assures the believers that giving generously will not decrease their Rizq (provisions and properties) in any way, but rather increase them. Giving not only satisfies the needs of the poor and disadvantaged but also benefits the giver, whose righteous generosity returns invaluable riches of peace and satisfaction; his/her heart is protected from the earth-quakes of rancor and jealousy, and he/she is saved from the adverse consequences of selfishness and narrow-mindedness. It’s a simple but profound spiritual equation: By giving we are helping ourselves.

Islam considers greedy and avaricious mentality at this level as very cheap and mean, for it is a faith that seeks to nourish charity and generosity all the time. Almighty Allah says in the Qur’an: “So be aware of Him as much as you can; listen and obey; and spend charity for the benefit of your own soul. And whoever is saved from his own greediness, then they are successful ones.” {At Tagabun 16}

It was also reported that the Messenger of Allah said: “Protect yourself against the fire [of judgment against you], even if it be only by (giving) a piece of date; and if one cannot even fulfill this, then by saying a good word.” {Muslim}

This month of Ramadan is a great and enriching opportunity to spend for the sake of Allah. We have many chances and choices from among the projects in our community:

• The needy and poor at home
• Sisters and brothers and sisters in poor Muslim communities all over the world.
• Give your Zakat cheerfully to purify both your property and your soul.
• Give Sadaqat ul Fitr to help rid yourself of bad attitudes, vain thoughts and useless speech in the month of Ramadan.
• Finally, give Sadaqat ul Jariyah (permanent charity) to support community projects – all this nourishes and maintains our Muslim identity in the best possible way.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1a7czPxiw-z1BtU2JdEBevKtk-Q2xMieSQWeDWmVhWF0/edit