Topics: Charity

Can Charity Be Given on Behalf of the Ummah? Understanding Intentions in Islamic Charity”

Giving Charity: Individual Responsibility vs. Collective Intentions

Question: If we give charity, can we intend it on behalf of the entire Ummah?

Answer: Give charity on your own behalf or on behalf of your close relatives because we ourselves are in need of righteous deeds, and Allah has given us life, so the opportunity to do good deeds is for us at this time. Those who have passed away are not the responsibility of the living; rather, those who are alive have their own responsibility to perform many righteous deeds while they are alive.

We have not been instructed to give charity on behalf of the entire Ummah, nor is this method transmitted from the Salaf (pious predecessors). Allah will ask each person about their own deeds, and no one will bear the burden of another. Allah says:

“And no bearer of burdens will bear the burden of another.” (Fatir: 18)

Therefore, give charity on your own behalf, but you can also give charity on behalf of close relatives or a specific living or deceased person. Additionally, include all Muslims in your prayers, as including the Ummah in your prayers is sufficient and is often supported by evidence.

 Sheikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi 

(Jeddah Dawah Center, Hayy Al-Salamah – Saudi Arabia)

Author: IslamicHelper

Tags: Zakat
IslamicHelper

Recent Articles

The Crisis of Delayed Marriage in Society

In an era of profound social change, the age of marriage is steadily rising, creating silent fractures in our communities.… Read More

4 days ago

Buffalo Sacrifice: Salaf View vs. Ijma Claims

Explore the early Islamic view (Salaf) on buffalo sacrifice. This analysis refutes claims of scholarly consensus (Ijma'), showing how Zakat… Read More

4 days ago

Intimacy in Islam: Guide for Couples in Their 30s

Explore how Islamic teachings can deepen intimacy in your marriage as you enter your thirties. Discover practical tips, Sunnah practices,… Read More

6 days ago

Free Sahih Bukhari PDF Download: English, Urdu & More

Access the authentic teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) with our free Sahih Bukhari PDF downloads. Available in English, Urdu, French,… Read More

3 weeks ago

Hajj in Quran and Sunnah: A Comprehensive Guide with Key References

Discover the profound significance of Hajj, a pillar of Islam, through a comprehensive analysis of its primary references in the… Read More

1 month ago

Beware: Shaytan’s Seven Traps to Misguide You

Discover the seven cunning traps Shaytan uses to lead believers astray, as explained by Imam Ibn al-Qayyim. Learn how to… Read More

1 month ago