Why are we here on this earth and what is our purpose in life? Why are everyone’s circumstances so d...

Why are we here on this earth and what is our purpose in life? Why are everyone’s circumstances so different – some are pushed to the limit while others enjoy a life of privilege and luxury? Why are we being tested? These are just some of the questions we may find ourselves asking from time to time.

It is a well-known fact that there is far more pleasure in giving to others than there is in receiving. One of the central principles of Islam is to help others by way of zakat and, at some point in our lives, many of us will have experienced that ‘feel-good factor’ when helping someone in need.

Zakat in Islam

Zakat is an obligation upon all Muslims whose wealth exceeds a threshold known as the nisaab value, be it due to monetary assets, property or jewellery. Zakat amounts to 2.5% of one’s annual total cumulative wealth.

Although zakat is required to be given annually and on time, many Muslims choose to give theirs during Ramadan if it falls nearer their time as the rewards for giving during Ramadan are countless.

If you are unsure how to work out how much zakat you owe, see here for our handy zakat calculator, or alternatively if you would like to find out more about zakat, see here.

Encouraging a Balanced Society

Helping someone in need not only brings us pleasure, but it also restores people’s faith in humanity. A greater emphasis should be placed on helping others as this strengthens the bond between different communities - promoting peace on earth and within society. Not only this, but it also reinforces the relationship between you and your Lord. Helping someone in need doesn’t make us superior to anyone else, it should, in fact, increase our humility.

Helping others doesn’t always necessitate monetary donations, it can also involve contributing time and energy towards a good cause.

Volunteer Your Time

Here at Islamic Help, our volunteers have been the heart and soul of our organisation for many years. These representatives are the foundation of Islamic Help and continue to support us in many things, including raising the means to fund essential projects across the world – they truly make a great difference.

Volunteering is a fulfilling experience. Nothing beats the diversity of what you can do, along with the amazing staff and peers you have the opportunity to work with. Helping someone by giving them your vital time can make such a substantial difference in the world.

Silent Charity

Another important factor to note when supporting a charity – be it by way of donating money or time – is that charity should always be carried out in private; the only one who needs to see our acts and intentions is our Creator. Publicly giving charity can seem as if we want to look good in the eyes of society when all we should be worried about is how we appear to our Lord.

If you are fortunate enough to be able to donate your time or money this Ramadan, then donate with Islamic Help today.

Your zakat donation could help put a smile on a child’s face, provide someone with an opportunity to sustain their future, help eradicate the suffering of those in poverty and so much more.

For full details of Islamic Help’s current campaigns, please click here.

Alternatively, for more information on how to become a volunteer with Islamic Help this Ramadan, fill out the online form here.