Islam gives much emphasis on charity. Giving charity doesn’t decrease one’s wealth but instead Allah increases it. It is a virtuous deed. Helping the poor, supporting orphans, spending in the way of Allah and for those in distress is mentioned many times as charity in both the Quran and the Hadith. The Prophet(peace be upon him) said, “There are seven people whom Allah will shade in his shade on the Day when there is no shade except His Shade: a just ruler; a youth who grew up in the worship of Allah; a man whose heart is attached to the mosques; two men who love each other for Allah’s sake; a man who is called by a woman of beauty and position (for illegal intercourse) but who says: I fear Allah; a man who gives in charity and hides it, such that his left hand doesn’t know what his right hand has spent; and a man who remembered Allah in private and so his eyes shed tears”.
Life is temporary, full of ups and downs. No can predict your tomorrow. Remember the ground beneath your feet. We all belong here. Allah can lift the poor and needy from dust and can deprive the rich of their wealth. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Treat your sick ones with charity”. He (peace be upon him) also said, “Charity extinguishes the sins like water extinguishes a fire”. Charity eases hardships, removes calamities, and brings balance to society.
The Quran reminds us, “You who believe, don’t cancel out your charitable deeds with reminders and hurtful words” (Quran, 2:264). This is the essence and spirit of Charity. Feel compassion for those in need and help. Always show kindness, caring, and a willingness to help others. But remember, true charity doesn’t seek reward from people nor audience for one’s deeds. It should be like, “Neki kar aur dariya ma daal” (If you confer a favour, let it be forgotten). Keep it secret and don’t boast about it to others.
Charity is a kind and noble act. The problem occurs when we exaggerate it – we publicly post the pictures, without realising its psychological harm. Distressed people feel upset and depressed because they become vulnerable to negative comments from their near and dear ones. They feel indignity and humiliation. I have heard so many distressed people saying that it was better to die than crying for help. Showing solidarity is good but showing it to the public degrades our own self. It has now become a trend, to share and post. This shows where we are moving towards as a civilisation.
Many organisations claim that they advertise their charity in order to reach public. However, charity doesn’t need to follow TRP, nor does it need likes and comments. We can use many other ways to reach out to a wider audience.
Fogging or blurring of pictures should be done to maintain privacy. We can also anonymise the details for privacy. The removing of personal information ensures that the person being helped remains anonymous.
We should remember the time when charity was considered as worship. It was done in a secret and modest way, to prevent show-off and boastfulness. This was the way of great people who have left examples for us. The Prophet (peace be upon him) lived a life of poverty but when it came to giving, he put kings to shame.

The writer is a student. [email protected]

Zahid Yousuf Mantoo