For those wishing to make a difference in the world and in their communities, charity work and fundraising can be a means of supporting many people.

There are many ways to raise funds for people in need and many reasons to do so. Charity is important in Islam, and Muslims should strive to perform acts of charity as regularly as possible.

We should also strive to give generously and willingly, so much so that our left hand doesn’t know what our right hand has given in charity.

A person that Allah (SWT) loves is someone ‘who gives in charity and hides it, such that his left hand does not know what his right hand gives in charity’. (Bukhari and Muslim)

Here at Orphans in Need, we encourage everyone to immerse themselves in fundraising efforts. Not only do we see the benefits of such in the communities we work with, but we see them in our donors, too.

Sadaqah

Giving Sadaqah as a form of charity is especially important. Sadaqah refers to voluntary acts of charity, and while this may be giving some money to a charity, it does not have to be financial. Acts of Sadaqah include the following:

• Helping an older adult cross the road.
• Picking up something from the road that may harm someone.
• Visiting a neighbour or sick relative.
• Making dua for someone.
• Showing kindness to animals.
• Feeding a homeless person.
• Smiling – it’s Sunnah!.

Sadaqah Jariyah refers to the ongoing rewards you get from deeds, even after you have passed away. Some examples of Sadaqah Jariyah include the following:

• Bringing up a righteous child.
• Planting a tree.
• Donating a wheelchair to a hospital.
• Sponsoring an orphan.
• Building a water well.
• Building a masjid.
• Giving someone a Qur’an or Tasbih.

Keep reading to learn about the virtues of giving to charity.

Benefits of Giving Charity

There are so many virtues of giving to charity and being generous as Muslims. Not only is there a gate to Jannah for those who were charitable (Baab as Sadaqah), but there are several hadiths encouraging charity and helping others. Not only does giving charity helps the poor and needy, but it allows the giver to reap good deeds that can help them in the afterlife, Insha’Allah.

Hadiths About Charity

The Prophet (peace be upon him), said: “A charity is due for every joint in each person on every day the sun comes up: to act justly between two people is a charity; to help a man with his mount, lifting him onto it or hoisting up his belongings onto it, is a charity; a good word is a charity; and removing a harmful thing from the road is a charity.” (Al-Bukhari, Muslim)

The Prophet (peace be upon him), said: “When a man dies, his deeds come to an end except for three things: Sadaqah Jariyah (ceaseless charity); a knowledge which is beneficial, or a virtuous descendant who prays for him (for the deceased).” (Muslim)

The Prophet (peace be upon him), said: “The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his charity.” (Al-Tirmidhi)

The Prophet (peace be upon him), said: “Charity does not in any way decrease the wealth and the servant who forgives, Allah adds to his respect; and the one who shows humility, Allah elevates him in the estimation (of the people).” (Muslim)

The Prophet (peace be upon him), said: “Protect yourself from hellfire even by giving a piece of date as charity.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

The Prophet (peace be upon him), said: “Give charity without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity.” (Al-Tirmidhi)

The Prophet (peace be upon him), said: “Sadaqah extinguishes sin as water extinguishes fire” (Tirmidhi).

Fundraising Ideas

Here are a variety of easy fundraising ideas for charity:

• Organise a bake sale for a particular charity.
• Hold an auction to raise funds.
• Do a sponsored run or marathon for a specific cause, such as cancer research.
• Join a charity boat race team.
• Have a charity dinner with entertainment to raise funds.
• Hold a book sale.
• Play in a sponsored football match.
• Have a lemonade stand.
• Start a crowdfunding campaign.

Fundraise with Orphans in Need

You can get involved in fundraising with Orphans in Need to raise funds for those most in need around the world.

There are orphans, widows, and homeless people in need of financial and material support. By raising funds for charity, you can provide essentials like food, clean water, medication, education and shelter to our brothers and sisters around the world.

Your donations can provide the following and much more:

• Clean water
• Food parcels
• Clothes
• Books
• Toys
• School uniforms
• Medical treatment
• Accommodation

You can raise funds in any way you wish.

Your support is appreciated and can make a huge difference. Please get involved today and join us in helping the Ummah.