Charity is an act of worship with extraordinary virtues in human life, both in this world and the hereafter. It not only brings us closer to Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala but also provides significant benefits to others. Here are 14 virtues and benefits of charity that you must know, as reported by Almanhaj:
1. Soothing the Wrath of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala
One of the most important benefits of charity is its ability to soothe the wrath of Allah. As mentioned in a hadith:
"Indeed, charity given in secret extinguishes the wrath of Allah." (HR. Thabrani).
When someone gives charity sincerely, it reflects their intention to seek Allah's pleasure, thereby calming His anger over their sins.
2. Erases Sins
Another benefit of charity is its ability to erase sins. Charity plays a vital role in purifying the soul and erasing mistakes. The Prophet Muhammad Shallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam said:
"Charity erases sins as water extinguishes fire." (Shahih at-Targhib by Asy-Syaikh Al-Albani).
When a servant gives charity, they replace their bad deeds with good ones that can cover minor sins.
3. Protection from Hellfire
Charity acts as a shield protecting a person from the heat of Hellfire. The Prophet Muhammad Shallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam said:
"Protect yourselves from the Hellfire, even with half a date fruit." (HR. Bukhari and Muslim).
This hadith highlights how even the smallest act of charity can save someone from Allah's punishment in the hereafter.
4. A Remedy for Various Illnesses
Charity is also known as a cure for various illnesses, both physical and spiritual. The Prophet Muhammad Shallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam said:
"Treat your sick ones with charity." (HR. Baihaqi).
The miraculous healing power of charity is often experienced by those who give with full faith in Allah.
5. Shelter on the Day of Judgment
On the Day of Judgment, charity will serve as a shield for those who practiced it. As narrated in a hadith by 'Uqbah bin 'Amir Radhiyallahu 'anhu:
"I heard the Messenger of Allah Shallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam say: 'Every person will be under the shade of their charity until judgment is passed between people.'
6. Prevention of Calamities by Allah
Charity becomes a means for Allah to ward off disasters. A hadith states:
"Allah commands you to give charity, for its likeness is that of a man taken captive by an enemy who ties his hands to his neck and leads him to be executed. The man offers a ransom, both little and much, to free himself." (Shahihul Jami’).
7. Attaining True Goodness
Charity is a pathway to achieve true goodness. Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala says in the Qur’an:
"You will not attain true righteousness until you spend (in charity) out of what you love." (QS. Ali Imran: 92).
8. Prayed for by Angels Every Day
Those who give charity receive prayers from angels. The Prophet Muhammad Shallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam said:
"Every day, two angels descend. One prays, 'O Allah, give more to the one who spends (in charity),' and the other prays, 'O Allah, bring ruin to the one who withholds.'
9. Blessing in Wealth
Charity does not reduce wealth but instead increases its blessings. The Prophet Muhammad Shallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam said:
"Wealth is not diminished by charity." (HR. Muslim).
10. Multiplied Provision
Allah promises multiplied rewards for those who give charity. As Allah states:
"Who is it that will lend Allah a good loan, which Allah will multiply for him many times over?" (Al-Baqarah: 245).
11. Entering Through the Gate of Charity in Paradise
Those who are generous in giving charity will be called from the gate of charity in Paradise, as narrated by Abu Hurairah Radhiyallahu 'anhu:
"Whoever spends two things in the way of Allah will be called from the gates of Paradise. Those who prayed often will be called from the gate of prayer, those who strove in jihad from the gate of jihad, those who fasted from the gate of Ar-Rayyan, and those who gave in charity from the gate of charity." (HR. Muslim).
12. Entrance to Paradise
Charity is a ticket to Paradise. Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala says:
"Those who spend their wealth day and night, secretly and openly, will have their reward with their Lord. They will have no fear, nor will they grieve." (QS. Al-Baqarah: 274).
13. Calmness and Open-heartedness
Charity brings peace and broadens one's heart. The Prophet Muhammad Shallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam described:
"The parable of a miser and a generous person is like two people wearing tight armor. The one who gives charity feels the armor expand, while the miser's armor tightens."
14. Considered as a Sacrifice in the Path of Allah
Charity is viewed as a noble sacrifice in Allah’s sight. Allah says:
"Indeed, Allah has purchased from the believers their lives and their properties [in exchange] for Paradise." (At-Taubah: 111).
In essence, charity is not just an act of worship but also a way to bring immense blessings into one's life and the lives of others. May Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala make it easy for us to always give in charity and grant us the rewards and blessings from this noble act. Ameen
