Knowledge & Devotion · Virtues of Good Deeds

Charitable Acts and Their Rewards in Islam

Explore rulings and rewards for acts of charity towards Muslims and non-Muslims.

4 questions · Hard · about 2 minutes

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1. What is the ruling on giving Zamzam water to a sick non-Muslim for healing?

  • It is permissible. (correct answer)
  • It is forbidden in all cases.
  • It is allowed only if the person first becomes Muslim.
  • It is disliked even when there is hope of benefit.

Why

There is nothing wrong with giving Zamzam water to a sick non-Muslim for healing. The source also mentions other permissible forms of kind treatment, such as treating a sick non-Muslim medically, helping him if he is in need, or visiting him when sick, especially when there is hope that this may soften his heart toward Islam or when there is another praiseworthy purpose.

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2. What is the ruling on giving food to a non-Muslim who is in urgent need?

  • It is permissible to give sadaqah, unless the person is openly hostile toward Islam. (correct answer)
  • It is forbidden because the person is not Muslim.
  • It must be given as zakah.
  • It is only allowed after the person converts to Islam.

Why

If a non-Muslim is in urgent need, such as needing food to survive, the source states that he should be fed unless he is openly hostile toward Islam. In such a case, what is given is voluntary charity, sadaqah, not zakah. If the need is not urgent, something may still be given for the purpose of softening the person’s heart and calling him to Islam.

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3. How does sadaqah differ from zakah in who may receive it?

  • Sadaqah may be given to zakah recipients and others, including non-Muslims. (correct answer)
  • Sadaqah may only be given to the eight zakah categories.
  • Sadaqah may never be given to non-Muslims.
  • Sadaqah is more restricted than zakah.

Why

Zakah has specific categories of recipients and may not be given outside those categories. It also has conditions, such as the nisab, the passing of a Hijri year for many types of wealth, and fixed amounts. Sadaqah is broader: it is voluntary, may be given at any time and in any amount, and may be given to those mentioned in the zakah verse and to others. The source specifically states that zakah may not be given to disbelievers, while sadaqah may be given to them.

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4. Which kind of charity is mentioned in the hadith of the seven whom Allah will shade?

  • Charity given so secretly that the left hand does not know what the right hand gives. (correct answer)
  • Charity given publicly to gain praise.
  • Charity delayed until a person is close to death.
  • Charity given only after reminding the recipient of the favour.

Why

The reward of charity may be increased in many situations, including when it is given in secret, when the poor person’s need is great, when it is given while the giver is healthy and reluctant to give, when it is given to relatives, when it is given during times or places of special virtue, and when it becomes ongoing charity. The hadith of the seven shaded by Allah specifically mentions the one who gives charity and conceals it so completely that his left hand does not know what his right hand gives.

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A note on these answers

These questions are for learning and self-testing. Explanations are drawn from the sources linked on each question and are not a fatwa. For a ruling on your own circumstances, please consult a qualified scholar.

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