Life and Teachings of the Prophet Muhammad
10. The Concept of Social Welfare in Islam
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a field with good soil in an elevated position. It catches good
showers of rain and the moisture penetrates the soil. With these
favourable conditions, its output increases enormously. Similarly, a
man of true charity is spiritually healthy. He is best placed to attract
God’s bounties. The Qur’an goes on to give four parables (verses
261-266), which explain the truly spiritual nature of charity and
how it bears on the whole of our lives.
Yet, there are some people who think that acts of charity would
ruin them. Abdullah Yusuf Ali comments on such doubts: “No kind
or generous act ever ruined one.” And we have never heard of
anyone who, due to his generosity to good causes, has been
impoverished. This is because the generous alms-giver has God’s
promise that He will shower him with greater bounties. (2:268) On
the other hand, false generosity, that is, extravagant expenditure
for show or self-indulgence can and does lead people to ruin.
Verse 271 of the second chapter of the Qur’an makes the point
that publicity should never be the motive for an act of charity. We
must remember that we can seek God’s pleasure only if our
motives are pure.
In verse 273, the Qur’an states, “Charity is for those in need.”
This is a general condition to help people in need whether they are
good or bad, on the right path or not, Muslims or non-Muslims.
We are not supposed to sit in judgement on these matters. It is
worth reiterating here that the chief motive in charity should be
God’s pleasure and our own spiritual good. This verse was
revealed in the first instance in Madinah, but is of general
