We must have heard this term many times amongst people. The actual meaning to Islamic charity has a very open meaning. It doesn’t always mean giving money when we hear that it is an Islamic charity. The Arabic word for charity/Sadaqah comes from the root word ‘SIDIQ’ which means sincerity, meaning any acts according to Islam and shariah which are done with sincerity can also be classified as Islamic charity. Giving Sadaqah is seen as a sign of sincere faith and belief in Allah Almighty.
Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Every joint of a person must perform a charity each day that the sun rises: to judge justly between two people is a charity. To help a man with his mount, lifting him onto it or hoisting up his belongings onto it, is a charity. And the good word is a charity. And every step that you take towards the prayer is a charity and removing a harmful object from the road is a charity.” [Al-Bukhari] [Muslim]
The Prophet Muhammad (may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) has mentioned in a hadeeth “smiling is charity”. In this case the term Islamic charity was smiling meaning making someone happy or lightening up their mood is also classified as charity
So, understanding from the above hadeeth the term Islamic charity has many meanings to it and that things such as removing an obstacle from a path is also classified as Islamic charity. So next time we decide to do something good, think, rectify our intentions, and whatever you do in life, do it for the sake of Allah Almighty. Inshallah Allah Almighty will reward us one; for doing the good act, and two; for the sincerity we had in doing the good act.
