Danish Hameed
If you give away alms to needy with right hand, your left hand shall not know it. There is wisdom in this advice. It is meant to encourage people to show discretion when performing a good deed such as charity. In Islam, the act of charity is highly encouraged. There are however two very different ways to go about it; you can either give charity publically or you can give it discretely. The latter carries more rewards, though, in some situations, public display of charitable donations is preferred because it encourages others to follow suit.
The act of charity is deemed to be one of the most favourable acts in Islam. Allah (SWT) and his Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) mentioned time and time again that the act of charity is great, and should be performed on a regular basis. There are several Ahadith on the importance of charity as well as verses in Quran that clearly tell us giving charity is a righteous and great act in the eyes of Allah (SWT).
However, when giving charity, discretion is advised, hence the saying that the left hand shouldn’t know that the right hand is doing. Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) once said:
“There are seven whom Allah will shade on the Day of Judgment…”
He went on to mention six of them and finally concluded by saying:
“…A man who gives in charity and hides it, such that his left hand does not know what his right hand gives in charity; and a man who remembered Allah in private and so his eyes shed tears.” (Abu Hurairah & collected in Saheeh al-Bukhari (English trans.) vol.1, p.356, no.629 & Saheeh Muslim (English trans.) vol.2, p.493, no.2248)
The last part of the Hadith mentioned above gives a very important message to all humanity. It reminds us that we, as humans, need to acknowledge the difference we can make and the motives behind it. A lot of us have forgotten the real meaning of charity, and so have ended up doing it with the wrong intentions. Many people give donations to help those who are in a critical situation, such as the people of Syria. Everyday aid for Syria flows both within Syria and across its borders to the many refugee camps, not only Syria whole world is in critical condition due to the Pandemic Covid 19.
Giving Life Essentials
Although food and water are often taken for granted, for many people around the world, these life essentials are in short supply. Not only do they provide sustenance and sanitation, but they can completely transform the lives of those in need.
Donating food and clean water is just one way to help, but donating to a cause that gives these communities a means of accessing clean water themselves and nurturing their crops is one of the greatest ways to help ceaselessly. This ongoing charity is hugely beneficial.
Giving Charity in Secret
The Prophet Mohammad said that one of the seven groups of people that will be granted shade on the Day of Judgment includes the one who gives charity but hides it, so that even his left hand does not know what his right hand has spent.
Islam places a great emphasis and reward on giving charity in secret. It preserves the dignity of those who receive the charity, and also prevents the giver from being boastful or seeking praise.
Islam teaches Muslims that giving in secret is far superior to giving publicly, and that drawing attention to one’s charitable actions is a highly undesirable quality. The Prophet said: “Allah loves the God-fearing rich man [who gives much in charity but still] remains obscure and uncelebrated.” (Muslim)
Giving charity in secret is best when giving charity that is voluntary (Sadaqah). Regarding voluntary charity, God says in the second chapter of the Quran:
“If you disclose your Sadaqaat (almsgiving), it is well; but if you conceal them and give them to the poor, that is better for you.” [Quran 2:271]
Giving Charity Publicly
If a person fears that he will be showing off, or tempted to show off, when giving charity or that he may cause some humiliation or embarrassment to the poor person, and then it is better for him to give it in secret.
However, giving charity publicly—as long as the giver knows his intentions are not to show off or be boastful, and can donate charity in a modest way—sets a good example to the community. It encourages others to follow in the giver’s footsteps and give charity, too.
Giving charity publicly is best when giving obligatory charity (Zakat). Scholars agree that doing obligatory acts in Islam is best done openly and announced, so as to encourage others to fulfill their duties as well.
A Mix of Both
In Chapter 2, verse 274 of the Quran, Allah says:
“Those who spend their money in the night and in the day, secretly and openly, they will have their reward with their Lord, there is no fear over them nor will they grieve.” [Quran 2:274]
This verse means that we should give charity both in public and in private. While keeping the amount of charity given private, a person can publicly—avoiding invitations of praise—give charity, serving as a reminder for others to also give and setting an example for the community. But it is also important for the Muslim to give charity in private (or “in the cover of night”), to establish to themselves and to God that they are giving charity because Allah commands it, and because they seek His pleasure and to fulfill their charitable duty.
A man who gives in charity and hides it, so that his left hand does not know what his right hand gives, is essentially a person who cares more about helping other people with good deeds than what other people think of his good deeds. Let us all be discrete in our pledges and donations this year. Let us donate graciously as is expected of us and assist the many who are suffering right now.
The author is Studying in GDC Anantnag and writes on social issues.
