AN ANALYSIS OF DIFFERENT CHARITABLE WORKS UNDER ISLAMIC LAW

Abstract

Charity under Islamic law known as sadaqa, its plural is sadaqat used for any good work even meeting
with other believers with smiley face known as sadaqa but theme of this research is restricted to sadaqat
connected with finance classified into (i) zakat/compulsory charity, (ii) sadaqa/optional charity, (iii)
waqf/trust, (iv) kafara/expiation, (v) fidya/rendering, and (vi) hadya/gift. Islamic Law provides guidelines
on all aspects of human life for benefits of human beings in both worlds e.g. (i) belief, (ii) manners, (iii)
worshipping, (iv) transactions, (v) offences and their punishments thus it is a complete code of life. This
paper is qualitative method of research, an analyses of Islamic Law of charity as prescribed by Allah
Almighty in Holy Book Al-Quran and in traditions of Holy Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم to eliminate and
eradicate poverty and hunger from human society. Islamic Law has prohibited (i) usury, (ii) uncertainty,
(iii) gambling, and other immoral activities to protect weak and poor people against rich landlords of the
society. Islamic economic system is based upon two main principles (i) do not harm others so that you will
not be harmed, and (ii) no gain without possibility of loss. Human beings are required to follow instructions
of Almighty Allah as he says “The likeness of those who spend their wealth in the Way of Allah is as the
likeness of a grain (of corn); it grows seven ears and each ear has a hundred grains. Allah gives manifold
increase to whom He wills. And Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures’ needs, All-Knower. Those who
spend their wealth in the Cause of Allah and do not follow up their gifts with reminders of their generosity
or with injury, their reward is with their Lord. On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.”
(Holy Quran 2:261-262)