Charity, the selfless act of giving to others without expecting anything in return, holds a deeply significant place in both religious and moral teachings across the world. In Christianity and Islam, the two most widely practiced religions, charity is not just encouraged, it is commanded. The Bible and the Qur’an both highlight charity as a path to righteousness, peace, and divine reward. More than a mere act of kindness, charity is a reflection of God’s mercy, a tool for societal balance, and a ladder to spiritual growth.
In the Bible, charity is described as love in action. 1 Corinthians 13:3 says, “And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.” This verse teaches that charity, when done with love and pure intention, holds eternal value. It is not about the quantity but the quality and spirit in which it is given. Jesus Christ emphasized the act of giving and helping others, especially the poor, widows, orphans, and strangers.
Similarly, the Qur’an emphasizes that charity, or Sadaqah, is a means of purification. In Surah Al-Tawbah 9:103, Allah says: “Take from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase, and invoke Allah’s blessings upon them.” Charity purifies not just wealth, but also the soul. It rids one of greed, selfishness, and pride. It is also a shield against calamity and a source of divine mercy.
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was known for his generosity. It is reported in Hadith (Sahih Muslim) that he said, “Charity does not decrease wealth.” This seemingly paradoxical statement reveals a deep spiritual truth: what we give in charity is not lost; rather, it returns to us in unexpected blessings. Similarly, Jesus fed thousands with five loaves and two fishes, a divine act of charity that taught abundance through giving.
One powerful biblical example is that of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37). A man beaten by robbers was ignored by a priest and a Levite, but helped by a Samaritan, who cared for him without knowing him. This story teaches that charity transcends religion, race, or social boundaries. It is about being human and acting out of compassion. Jesus concluded the story by saying, “Go and do likewise.”
In Islamic history, Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab would walk through Medina at night to ensure no one was suffering. Once, he found a woman boiling water to silence her hungry children. Umar, disguised, returned with food on his back and cooked for them himself. His act was not out of pride but of humble service. This shows that charity in Islam is often done privately, for the sake of Allah alone.
Both religions teach that charity must be done sincerely. Matthew 6:3-4 says, “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing… Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Likewise, in Islam, Prophet Muhammad said, “Seven are the persons whom Allah will give protection with His Shade on the Day when there will be no shade except His…” One of them is “a person who gives charity so secretly that his left hand does not know what his right has given.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
Charity brings about equality. It bridges the gap between the rich and the poor, offering the less privileged a chance at dignity. It helps eliminate jealousy and builds trust and unity in society. In the early church (Acts 2:44-45), believers sold their possessions and shared the proceeds with anyone in need, showing that a charitable community is a stronger and more loving one.
There are two main forms of charity in Islam: Zakat (obligatory charity) and Sadaqah (voluntary charity). Zakat is a pillar of Islam and is obligatory for those who are able. It ensures the wealth in society circulates and reaches those in need. In Christianity, tithes and offerings serve a similar purpose. Giving ten percent or more of one’s income to the church or to help others is a longstanding tradition rooted in biblical principles (Malachi 3:10).
The rewards for charity are abundant in both scriptures. Proverbs 19:17 says, “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.” In Islam, the Qur’an says in Surah Al-Baqarah 2:261: “The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains.” This means that Allah multiplies the reward of charity manifold.
Charity is also a protection from misfortune. In the Bible, Acts 10:4 describes Cornelius, a Roman centurion, whose prayers and gifts to the poor were recognized by God: “Your prayers and alms have ascended as a memorial before God.” In Islam, charity is said to extinguish sins like water extinguishes fire (Tirmidhi). It is also said to prevent death and suffering by divine decree.
Apart from individual benefits, charity is the backbone of community development. When people give to support education, healthcare, shelter, and food security, they are investing in the future. The early Muslim community under Prophet Muhammad built a strong society through collective charity and support. Similarly, the early Christian believers built hospitals, schools, and orphanages through the spirit of giving.
Charity also reflects God’s love for mankind. We are reminded that we are all caretakers of the blessings we have received. Whether it is wealth, time, knowledge, or strength, we are called to share with others. It makes us more grateful, less materialistic, and more attuned to the needs of others. It teaches humility, kindness, and empathy.
Ultimately, we give charity not just to help others, but to fulfill a divine purpose. God does not need our charity. Humans do. We are tested through wealth and poverty. By giving, we pass that test. As both the Bible and Qur’an repeatedly affirm, the act of giving brings the giver closer to God, enriches the soul, and secures eternal reward.
In conclusion, charity is not just a religious duty. It is a way of life. Both the Bible and the Qur’an paint a powerful image of a world where compassion rules, generosity flows freely, and the strong support the weak. In that world, charity is not a burden, but a blessing. And every act of charity, no matter how small, echoes in eternity.
