Is it obligatory to help those in need in Islam? (Islamic Perspective on Charity)

Is it obligatory to help those in need in Islam? (Islamic Perspective on Charity)

Being charitable and supporting someone in need is, of course, a sign and requirement of being a good person. However, Islam is not a faith that leaves charity to individual choice as it emphasizes that social equality can only be achieved if people care for one another. In this article, we will explain how Muslims should approach those in need, based on principles from the Qur’an.

In Islam, helping and caring are expressions of faith; therefore, engaging in charitable activities should not be perceived merely as a personal choice. There are powerful core values of social justice in Islam such as zakat and sadaqah. Zakat is one of the Five Pillar of Islam, and it is a fundamental practice that involves giving a portion of one’s wealth to those in need whereas sadaqah refers to voluntary charity given with the intention of helping others and pleasing God. Unlike zakat, which is a mandatory act of charity with specific rules, sadaqah is entirely voluntary and can be given at any time and any amount. These moral principles are meant to uplift those in need, alleviate poverty, and ensure that wealth circulates within the community.

The Qur’an strongly emphasizes and encourages helping those in need, making it a core aspect of Islamic ethics. Therefore, a Muslim’s charitable and generous attitude to those in need is directly related not only to being a good person and a good Muslim but also to fulfilling the command of the Qur’an, as it addresses the importance of caring for the vulnerable—including the poor, orphans, the oppressed, and those in distress—as a fundamental duty.

Key Qur’anic Verses on Helping Those in Need

• “And establish prayer and give zakat (obligatory charity), and whatever good you put forward for yourselves – you will find it with Allah. Allah is watching everything you do.” (Qur’an 2:110) – Here, giving zakat, a fixed percentage of one’s wealth to those in need, is mentioned alongside prayer, showing its significance as a pillar of Islam.
• ‘’Those who spend their wealth in Allah’s way by night and by day, secretly and publicly – they will have their reward with their Lord. And no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve.” (Qur’an 2:274) – This verse highlights the value of giving freely and generously, encouraging Muslims to give not just obligatory zakat but also voluntary charity (sadaqah), in both private and public ways.
• “Have you seen the one who denies the Recompense? For that is the one who drives away the orphan and does not encourage the feeding of the poor.” (Qur’an 107:1-3) This verse condemns those who ignore or mistreat the needy, linking compassion for others with faith. Neglecting the needy is equated with a denial of accountability to God.
• “And what is [the matter] with you that you fight not in the cause of Allah and for the oppressed among men, women, and children who say, ‘Our Lord, take us out of this city of oppressive people and appoint for us from Yourself a protector and appoint for us from Yourself a helper’?” (Qur’an 4:75) This verse calls upon believers to take an active stance in supporting and defending the oppressed and disadvantaged, presenting it as a noble and necessary cause.
• “Take, [O Muhammad], from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase, and invoke [Allah’s blessings] upon them.” (Qur’an 9:103) In this verse, charity purifies both the giver’s wealth and heart, highlighting the spiritual benefit of aiding others.

Conclusion:

The emphasis on generosity, social responsibility, and justice is deeply woven into Islamic teachings, making it both a moral and spiritual duty for Muslims to help those in need. The Qur’an links this duty with faith, accountability, and personal growth, making it clear that a truly faithful person cannot be indifferent to the suffering of others.