Almsgiving
1. Definition of Almsgiving
Almsgiving comes from the Arabic word *shadaqah* which means giving voluntarily with the aim of gaining Allah's pleasure. Almsgiving is not only in the form of wealth, but also includes good deeds such as smiling, helping others, and saying good words.
2. Purpose of Almsgiving
- Getting closer to Allah: Almsgiving is a form of worship that brings us closer to Allah and shows gratitude for His blessings.
- Purifying wealth and soul: Allah says in the Qur'an that almsgiving serves to purify the heart from stinginess and love of the world.
- Helping others: Almsgiving aims to ease the burden of those in need, be they the poor, orphans, or people in trouble.
- Increases rewards: In Islam, alms is believed to be continuous charity and the rewards continue to flow even after someone dies.
3. Basics of Alms in the Qur'an and Hadith
- Al-Qur'an verses about Alms:
1. QS. Al-Baqarah: 261
The parable of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed that grows seven stalks, on each stalk a hundred seeds. Allah multiplies (rewards) for whom He wills. And Allah is All-Encompassing (His gifts) and All-Knowing.
2. QS. At-Taubah: 60
Indeed, zakat is only for the needy, poor people, people who are obliged to give zakat, people who have converted to Islam whose hearts have been persuaded, for (freeing) slaves, people who are in debt, for the path of Allah, and for people who are on a journey, as a decree that Allah has required. And Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise."
- Hadith about Alms:
1. From Abu Hurairah r.a., Rasulullah SAW said:
Every human bone is obliged to give alms every day when the sun rises: you are fair to two people is alms; you helping someone by lifting his goods onto his vehicle is alms; speaking good words is alms; every step you take towards prayer is alms; and removing distractions from the road is alms."* (HR. Bukhari and Muslim)
2. Rasulullah SAW said:
Alms can wash away sins like water extinguishes fire. (HR. Tirmidhi)
Conclusion
Almsgiving is one of the acts of worship ordered in Islam to draw closer to Allah, purify the soul, and help others. In the Qur'an and hadith, alms are highly valued and promised multiple rewards. Almsgiving is also an effective way to create a more caring and prosperous society.
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