Have you ever noticed how great it feels to do something good for someone? Whether it is for somebod...

Have you ever noticed how great it feels to do something good for someone? Whether it is for somebody you know personally or a complete stranger, the reason we like to give is because it feels good.

In fact, in today’s world where many people adopt the notion of living purely for themselves, it is even rarer to come across those prepared to do well by a stranger. In a world filled with privileges aplenty for so many and so little for everyone else, that rare group of people is where we should endeavour to be.

However, in certain religions, such as Islam, charity is an obligatory requirement of faith. Muslims must give a percentage of their disposable wealth to charity every year. but there is also another way of giving in Islam, which is purely optional but highly beneficial for both the giver and receiver, in multiple ways. This is otherwise known as sadaqah jaariyah.

“Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime”

- Proverb

Sadaqah jaariyah is a form of giving that keeps on giving, such as giving someone the tools to enable them to change their future or helping someone out for the long haul. In Islam, the act of giving sadaqah jaariyah is greatly rewarded, and as long as others continue to benefit from your gift you shall continue to reap the rewards, even after you have passed away.

Examples of Sadaqah Jaariyah

Water and Sanitation

Across the world today, there are many millions of people who suffer from a lack of clean, safe drinking water along with water for sanitation purposes. In this day and age, the majority of us reading this most likely take something as simple as water for granted without even realising how essential it is to life. The human body is effectively formed of more than 50% water and we need it in order to survive.

Today, so many of us don’t think twice about leaving a tap running or having a long, luxury bath because we haven’t had to go without water. Donating towards something as simple as installing a hand pump or building a water well can change the lives of an entire community – something we will continue to reap the rewards for, even in the Hereafter.

Sponsor an Orphan or Educate a Child

Children are the pioneers of the future and will be the ones in a far more resilient position when we are in our old age. Every child should have the right to an education to allow them the opportunity to shape their own future but unfortunately, this privilege isn’t as readily available to many children around the world. Some children have lost their parents and guardians – be it through world conflict or disaster, whilst many with families have to be the backbone of their communities from a very young age.

Sponsoring an orphan or child gives these children the opportunity to learn new skills and change their entire future along with the future of their community – which in turn, reaps rewards for you in the long run.

Make a Difference this October with Islamic Help

Make a Difference Day was initially founded in 1992 by the magazine ‘USA Weekend’ with an aim of encouraging people all over the world to help make the world a better place. The day is observed annually every fourth weekend in October and this year is set to fall on 27th October.

There are many things that an individual can do in order to help those less fortunate; whether you aim to help one person or a whole community, and the rewards in return are abundant in comparison. Even the smallest act of kindness can make a big difference to someone’s life and can often even be the difference between life and death for many of those in need of our support today.

Play a part in Make a Difference Day this year with Islamic Help and raise awareness of the many campaigns and projects that currently need your ongoing support. Although we are an Islamic charity, many of our projects help to give aid to those from all walks of life.

From emergency campaigns dedicated to helping the victims of world disaster to projects aiming to deliver shelter and other basic necessities to those suffering from poverty, right through to development programmes right here in the UK, there are countless ways to get involved and lend a helping hand.

Aside from the religious observances and duties upon us in Islam, giving to charity and helping those in need is not always an obligation upon us, but rather, a simple act of humanity. Furthermore, it is an act that we should see as our responsibility; one which will be rewarded tenfold in the Hereafter by Allah (SWT).

So, do your good deed of the day this year on Make a Difference Day; help us raise awareness of the good there is in giving and encourage the importance of doing our part in making the world a better place. It is often the smallest act of charity that can reap the biggest change and reward. Whether you are donating towards a change for today or to change someone’s tomorrow by way of sadaqah jaariyah, let’s aim to make a difference and inspire others to join in and make a difference, too. See here for some great fundraising ideas to begin raising awareness by helping those in need.

For more information on our current projects and campaigns, visit the Islamic Help website or give our team a call on 012 1446 5682.