Charity is Charity

Reports of tsunami orphans being converted by aid groups violate the fundamental Islamic principle that charity must come with no strings attached, writes Chowdhury Mueen-Uddin.

This column was written for Impact International magazine in April 2005

Hundreds of orphans in the Tsunami, were reported to have been spirited away by some religious groups engaged in humanitarian work. It is sad that they were preying on vulnerable, unsuspecting victims. For such acts not only devalue the truly sincere humanitarian work but also bring the good name of their own religion such people claim to follow into disrepute. Charity should be for charity's sake.
How refreshing and strikingly different is the Islamic approach to humanitarian service that requires Muslims scrupulously to refrain from such 'food for faith' activities. Muslims are enjoined by Islam to adhere to the principle of seeking no return in exchange for charitable work.

In the words of the Qur'an, "and they feed, for the love of God, the indigent, the orphan, and the captive: '(saying) we feed you for the sake of God alone: no reward do we desire from you, nor thanks'." (Al-Insan, 76: 8,9)

For charity in Islam is not seen as an act of generosity on the part of the rich, but regarded as a 'right' of the people in need. The Qur'an declares: 'And in your wealth the poor and the needy have a (undeniable) right.' (Al-Dharriat, 51: 19)

Islam has imprinted its unique spiritual style on what, in modern NGO vocabulary, would be called policy statement of humanitarian work. Our duty to help the less fortunate than ourselves requires nothing in return – not even their conversion with the message of Allah.

It is an integral part of Islamic belief that acts of charity can not have strings attached: they must remain pure and totally selfless. Public-giving though permissible is not encouraged: 'your right hand may not know what your right hand gives,' says the Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam.

Personal responsibility for all acts of worship including charity is of paramount importance; its value depends entirely on how true and sincere it is. Islam's pure sincerity, therefore, is the ultimate tool for measuring the real worth and goodness of charitable acts.

The Qur'an spells it out in great detail, leaving no room for ambiguity: 'Whatever you spend in charity is surely known to Allah, but wrong doers have no helpers.' It is permissible to make your charitable acts public, but best for you is to keep it discreet. [I will remove some of your stains (sins). You are not required to get them (the recipients) on the right path, but Allah sets on the right path whom He pleases. Whatever charity you make benefits your own souls, and you shall only be seeking the 'face' of Allah. Whatever charity you make shall be rendered back to you and you shall not be dealt with unjustly.' (Al-Baqara, 2: 270-272)

The meaning of the word 'Zakat' in charity. However, no one in Islam ever takes the view that it means the purification of the recipients of Zakat. This is because giving is not merely a mundane act of common good, it is a divinely sanctioned obligation.
It should not take a spectacular nature like the conscience and charitable instinct of Muslims. Both in Islam and in abundance, a Muslim is committed to selfless charity. Islam teaches him truth that man possesses nothing much; all that he owns is total trust from the Almighty: he is merely entrusted with its care for a short period, so setting nullifying any question of trading aid in return for anything.

What could be more cruel than taking advantage of a victim's misfortune when he is most vulnerable?

True charity has little humanity in it: it is tantamount to disbelief in Allah Himself. It is like that little sprinkling of soil spread on a hard barren rock, which a slight shower of rain would wash away, exposing its bareness.

In the words of the Qur'an, again: 'Believers! Mar not your charity by reminders of your generosity or by humiliating taunts – like one who spends his wealth only for publicity among men and believes not in Allah and the last day. The plight of such work is like hard barren rock, on which sprinkling of a little soil, first shower of rain leaves a bare stone.' (Al-Baqarah, 2: 264)

Islamic charity is based solely on the principle of sacrifice that elevates man to the pinnacle of spiritual heights. In order to reach there it sets a lofty standard for the donor to achieve: it can be nothing other than for the sake of Allah alone. No worldly return can be demanded in exchange. More importantly, it can not be tainted by any kind of reference, reminders or rehash that may cause annoyance and embarrassment to the recipients.
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True Islamic charity makes Muslims spiritually healthy, as it aims to achieve Allah's pleasure alone: its highest form ever donates towards his own soul and leaves the recipient with Allah. He is more concerned to have piety and righteousness himself. For him all acts of charity are aimed at receiving only Allah's mercy and kindness. Islamic concept of humanitarian relief is, therefore, free from any selfish interest including proselytising.