Almsgiving is one of the noble practices in Islam that has various benefits, both for the giver and the recipient. However, there is one moment where charity has a higher value in the eyes of Allah SWT, namely when someone gives charity in difficult circumstances. How does Islam view charity in times of hardship? What are the benefits? And what is Allah’s promise to those who give alms in times of difficulty? This article will answer these questions by referring to Qur’anic verses, hadith, and scholarly opinions.
Definition of Sadaqah in Islam
In language, almsgiving comes from the word shadaqah which means righteous or honest. In a religious context, almsgiving is the act of giving something to others sincerely for the sake of Allah SWT. Almsgiving is not only limited to wealth, but can also be in the form of energy, knowledge, advice, and even a smile.
In the Qur’an, Allah SWT says:
“The example of those who spend their wealth in the cause of Allah is like that of a grain of seed that grows seven ears, in each ear a hundred seeds. Allah multiplies the reward for whom He wills. And Allah is All-Wide (in His bounty) and All-Knowing.” (QS. Al-Baqarah: 261)
This verse confirms that Allah SWT will multiply the reward for those who give alms in His way, even up to 700 times.
Read also: Is it True that Sadaqah or Infaq with Haram Money Can Clear the ‘Sin’?
Benefits of Sadaqah in Times of Hardship
- Strengthens Faith and Piety
Sadaqah when in difficult conditions is proof of strong faith in Allah SWT. This action shows that a person fully believes that sustenance comes from Allah and not from his efforts alone. By giving alms in times of difficulty, a person trains himself to surrender and tawakal to Allah SWT.
A famous ustadz, Ustadz Abdul Somad, once said in one of his lectures, “Charity in times of plenty is normal, but charity in times of difficulty is extraordinary. It is proof that our hearts are more attached to Allah than the treasures of the world.” - Opening Doors of Sustenance
Almsgiving has the power to open unexpected doors of sustenance. In a hadith narrated by Imam Muslim, the Prophet said:“Wealth will not decrease because of charity, and Allah will add glory to a servant who is willing to forgive others, and whoever is tawadhu’ for the sake of Allah, Allah will exalt him.” (HR Muslim)
This hadith emphasizes that charity will not make someone poor, on the contrary, Allah SWT will replace it with more and more sustenance.
- Gain Blessings and Peace of Mind
Sadaqah brings blessings in daily life. In QS. Al-Lail verses 5-7, Allah SWT says:“As for the one who gives (his wealth in the way of Allah) and fears, and believes in the best reward (heaven), then We will later prepare for him an easy path.”
This blessing is not only in material terms, but also in terms of peace of mind and happiness in life. People who give alms sincerely will feel inner peace and satisfaction that cannot be measured by wealth.
Islam Replaces Charity with Kindness
Islam teaches that every good deed done by a servant will be replaced by Allah SWT with a greater good. Allah promises in QS. Al-Baqarah verse 245:
“Whoever wants to give Allah a loan, a good loan (spending his wealth in the way of Allah), then Allah will multiply the payment to him with a large double.”
This promise of Allah is a form of His mercy for servants who are willing to sacrifice for good. Allah SWT never breaks promises. Any alms given, especially in times of trouble, will definitely be replaced with far greater goodness, both in this world and in the hereafter.
Tips for Practicing Sadaqah in Times of Hardship
- Start Small: There is no need to wait to be rich to give alms. Start from small things like giving food to a neighbor in need or setting aside a little of your daily income.
- Sincerity and Tawakal: Intend to give alms solely for the sake of Allah SWT and believe that Allah will fulfill all our needs.
- Don’t Complain: Give alms with a big heart, without feeling heavy or forced. Remember that charity is an investment in the hereafter that never loses money.
Charity in times of trouble is an extraordinary test of faith. For those who are able to do so, Allah SWT has promised various virtues, such as blessings of life, abundant sustenance, and peace of mind. Almsgiving is also a way to strengthen faith and show piety to Allah SWT. Therefore, let us make almsgiving a routine practice, both in good and bad times, because every alms that we spend will definitely be replaced with greater goodness by Allah SWT.
Charity is one of the paths to heaven, and by giving charity in times of trouble, we have placed ourselves among those who are loved by Allah SWT. Rasulullah SAW said:
“Charity can erase sins as water extinguishes fire.” (HR. Tirmidhi)
May Allah SWT make it easy for us to always give alms, and may every alms we give be a jariyah charity that never breaks its reward, both in this world and in the hereafter. Aamiin.
