Islam is very close to the culture of giving or charity. Apart from obeying the commands of Allah Swt and purifying wealth, almsgiving is also a tool to realize social justice. Unlike zakat, almsgiving can be done by anyone, including those who have no material means. In fact, it is likely that alms from those who are less well-off actually bring more rewards. Why? Because it is among the best alms. What does that mean?
The Best Charity
The best charity is the charity that receives the greatest reward in the sight of Allah. However, there is no evidence that says absolutely whether it is the best charity. Because, basically all alms that are done with good intentions and sincerity will get rewards.
The Best Kind of Sadaqah
Friends, even so there are still a number of factors that can make the alms we do more important in the eyes of Allah or in other words, the best alms. What are the factors?
- Sadaqah in secret
The Prophet Muhammad said, “The best charity is that which is given in secret, so that the left hand does not know what the right hand is giving.” (HR Bukhari & Muslim)Sadaqah done in this way is preferred. Because, a person is considered more sincere, does not expect praise from humans, and only expects the pleasure of Allah alone.
Read also: Gen Z-style Almsgiving, a Small Initiative with a Big Impact
- Sadaqah when healthy
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “The best charity is that which is given in health and fear of sickness, wealth and fear of poverty.” (HR Bukhari & Muslim)Health is often taken for granted by some people. When we are healthy we also tend to forget about Allah, even though it is Allah’s blessing. So, charity when healthy shows that there is sincerity, awareness, as well as grateful for the blessings that Allah has given.
- Sadaqah with much-loved wealth
The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “Verily, the wealth most beloved to Allah is that which is spent (given in charity) in the cause of Allah.” (HR. Bukhari)If we love a treasure, we are definitely reluctant to give it up for anything else, let alone for charity. Well, if it turns out that we can give it up for alms, it means that we are willing to sacrifice to let it go. This is also a test of faith for us, do we love our wealth more or give it up for others in the way of Allah?
- Almsgiving to familyThe Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “When a Muslim spends his wealth, every infaq he spends on his family is sadaqah.” (HR Muslim)
Before we help others in need, it is better to help those closest to us first, such as relatives and family. This is recommended by Islam and has a greater reward in the eyes of Allah SWT.
- Sadaqah when in trouble
“Abu Hurairah and ‘Abdullah ibn Hubshi Al Khots’ami reported: ‘The Prophet was asked which charity is the most rewarding’. He replied, ‘The charity of the needy‘.” (HR An Nasai)The above Hadith explains that charity given by someone who is experiencing difficulties has a great virtue. In the eyes of Islam, the intention and sincerity in charity are far more important than the amount.
Read also: Benefits of Waqf for Wakif, Endless Jariyah Almsgiving
- Sadaqah jariyahThe Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “When a man dies, his deeds cease, except for three things: fingeryah charity, useful knowledge, and the prayer of a righteous child.” (HR Muslim)
Jariyah charity is charity whose rewards continue to flow even after the donor has passed away. Jariyah alms can take the form of contributions to build a mosque, establish a school, build a well, and so on.
Important things that weigh down the reward of Sadaqah
All alms that are done with the intention of Allah Swt will certainly get rewards. However, if you do the best alms that have been mentioned before, especially consistently, then the rewards that will be obtained will be greater.
Before doing alms, you need to know the following four important things. Because, these things can weigh down the reward of our alms:
- Intention. This is the main key in giving alms. Make sure our intention is only to seek the pleasure of Allah Swt.
- Sincerity. Avoid giving alms with the intention of being praised by others or showing off.
- Patience. Do not despair in giving alms, be consistent, even if the amount is only a little.
- Khushu. Give alms with submission, humility, and full awareness. (RQA)
