Understanding Charity: Who to Give to and the Ethics of Giving in Islam

Who Should Receive Charity? Identifying the Truly Needy

Question: Who should we give our charity to?

Answer: In today’s world, what are the characteristics of a needy person, considering that everyone seems to be asking for help regardless of their background? And should we inform the recipient when giving charity or expiation?

We should give our charity and zakat to the poor and needy. Not every person who asks for help is genuinely poor or needy. Many people who ask for help are not actually in need, and there is a severe warning in the hadith for such people. Abdullah bin Umar (رضي الله عنه) reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “The person who keeps asking from people will come on the Day of Judgment without a piece of flesh on his face.” (Bukhari: 1474)

Therefore, one should not ask without necessity, otherwise, they will be held accountable in the Hereafter. Similarly, those who give should ensure they give after proper investigation.

The poor and needy are those who are truly in need. A poor person is someone who asks for help due to their need, while a needy person does not ask for help despite being in need. We should identify such people and fulfill their needs.

There is no need to inform the recipient when giving expiation, charity, zakat, or fitrana; you can give it without informing them.

 Sheikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi حفظه الله

❪Jeddah Dawah Center – Al-Salamah – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia❫