Proper Ways of Giving Charity (Infaq) and Its Rewards, The Top Recipients of Charity in Islam

Infaq: Worship that Brings Blessings and Rewards. Learn the first order of recipients of infaq according to Islam, the priority of infaq to parents, and the correct way to give infaq.

Infaq: A Blessed Act of Worship

Infaq is a highly recommended form of worship in Islam. It involves giving a portion of one's wealth to assist those in need. By practicing infaq, we not only draw closer to Allah SWT but also demonstrate care and solidarity towards fellow human beings.

However, giving charity isn't always straightforward. There are several aspects to consider before donating, such as intention, amount, timing, and the recipients of charity. One common question is, who should receive our charity first?

In this article, we will explore the top recipients of charity in Islam and the virtues of giving charity to one's parents, along with the proper ways to do so.

Parents: The Foremost Recipients of Charity

In the Quran, Allah SWT provides guidance on whom we should give our charity to. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 215, Allah SWT states:

"They ask you, [O Muhammad], what they should spend. Say, 'Whatever you spend of good is [to be] for parents and relatives and orphans and the needy and the traveler. And whatever you do of good - indeed, Allah is Knowing of it.'"

From this verse, we understand that Allah SWT places parents as the foremost and primary recipients of charity. This underscores the importance of honoring and caring for our parents, who have given us life and raised us with love and care. They are also the ones who continuously pray for our well-being.

Therefore, we should always strive to bring happiness and support to our parents, especially in their old age or when they are in need. One way to achieve this is by providing them with charity.

Charity to parents can take the form of money, goods, or services. The key is our intention to alleviate their burdens and make them happy. By doing so, we earn Allah SWT's pleasure and the gratitude of our parents.

Furthermore, giving charity to parents carries numerous other virtues, including:

- Forgiveness of sins by Allah SWT

- Abundant and blessed sustenance from Allah SWT

- Extended lifespan

- Righteous offspring

- Ease in worldly and Hereafter affairs

These virtues are evident in several hadiths of Prophet Muhammad SAW, such as:

Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah SAW said, "The pleasure of the Lord lies in the pleasure of the parent. The anger of the Lord lies in the anger of the parent." (Tirmidhi)

Abdullah bin Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: I asked the Messenger of Allah SAW, "Which deed is the dearest to Allah?" He replied, "To offer the prayers at their early stated fixed times." I asked, "What is the next (in goodness)?" He replied, "To be good and dutiful to your parents." I again asked, "What is the next (in goodness)?" He replied, "To participate in Jihad in Allah's cause." (Bukhari and Muslim)

Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah SAW said, "Whoever would like his provision to be increased and his lifespan to be extended, should maintain good ties with his kin." (Bukhari and Muslim)

In Conclusion

Infaq, or giving charity, is a virtuous act of worship in Islam that brings blessings and rewards to a Muslim. Through charity, we draw closer to Allah SWT while assisting those in need.

The foremost recipients of charity according to Islam are one's parents. They hold a special place in our lives for their invaluable contributions.

Charity to parents can be in the form of money, goods, or services, with the intention of bringing them happiness and relief.

By giving charity to our parents, we receive numerous rewards, including the forgiveness of sins, abundant sustenance, an extended lifespan, righteous offspring, and ease in worldly and Hereafter affairs.

May this article serve as motivation for us to become more diligent in giving charity, especially to our parents. Ameen.

Image source: Muslim Hands