Knowledge & Devotion · Virtues of Good Deeds

Charity and Its Conditions in Islam

Understanding conditions and rulings for charitable acts according to Islamic teachings.

8 questions · Hard · about 4 minutes

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8 questions, about 4 minutes.

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1. When may a person give charity while still owing a debt?

  • When the debt is deferred and he expects to be able to pay it when due. (correct answer)
  • When the debt is already due and he can pay it but delays it.
  • When charity prevents him from repaying the debt.
  • When he wants voluntary charity to take priority over the debt.

Why

If a debt is deferred and the debtor expects to have enough to pay it when it becomes due, then there is nothing wrong with giving charity. But if the debt is due immediately, or its time has arrived, then paying the debt takes priority over voluntary charity, because repayment is obligatory and charity is recommended. Scholars also mention an exception for very small amounts that clearly will not prevent repayment.

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2. Is it permissible to give charity regularly on a specific day for convenience?

  • Yes, if one does not believe that day has special virtue. (correct answer)
  • No, it is automatically bid‘ah in every case.
  • Only if the amount is fixed by a group.
  • Only if the day is Friday.

Why

Doing an act of worship at a particular time or place because circumstances make it convenient is not bid‘ah, so long as a person does not believe that the time or place has a special religious virtue without evidence. Giving charity regularly on a certain day because that day is convenient is therefore permissible. Bid‘ah would be when a newly invented practice is treated as part of the religion without basis.

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3. If someone vows to give charity without specifying a recipient, may it be given to a needy father?

  • Yes, if the intention was to give to someone in need. (correct answer)
  • No, parents can never receive voluntary charity.
  • Only if strangers refuse the charity first.
  • Only if the father is wealthy.

Why

When voluntary charity or a nonspecific charity vow is intended for someone in need, it may be given to a needy father. Relatives are often more deserving of voluntary charity, and the source cites guidance to start with close relatives. Since the vow did not specify a particular person or cause, giving it to a poor father is allowed, and buying a house for him with that money is also allowed.

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4. What is the ruling on taking back charity before it has been handed over to the recipient?

  • It is permissible, though going ahead with it is better. (correct answer)
  • It is forbidden even before the recipient receives it.
  • It is obligatory to take it back if an emergency occurs.
  • It depends only on the amount of money.

Why

Charity does not become the recipient’s property until it is handed over to him or to his deputy. Therefore, if a person merely intended or earmarked money for charity but has not yet delivered it, he may take it back, though it is better to go ahead with the charity if possible. After the charity has been handed over, it is not permissible to take it back.

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5. What happens to charity given sincerely from good earnings?

  • Allah multiplies it and gives great reward. (correct answer)
  • It is accepted even if earned through haram means.
  • It only counts if people know about it.
  • It must always be spent on buildings.

Why

Allah promises great reward for those who spend sincerely in His cause. The Qur’an compares such spending to a grain that grows seven ears, each containing a hundred grains, and Allah gives manifold increase to whom He wills. The hadith also mentions that Allah accepts charity from good, halal earnings and nurtures it for the giver until it becomes like a mountain.

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6. What is the ruling on asking for donations to build a mosque?

  • It is permissible, especially where Muslims need a mosque, but people should not be pressured or embarrassed. (correct answer)
  • It is forbidden to ask for mosque donations.
  • It is allowed only if donors are publicly named.
  • It is required to pressure people until they give.

Why

Building mosques and helping with that is a great act of worship and cooperation in righteousness and piety. In non-Muslim countries, it may be even more important because Muslims need places for worship and Islamic practice. There is nothing wrong with asking for charity for a mosque in suitable places, but the request should be general and should not embarrass, pressure, annoy, or cause hardship to people.

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7. What is the ruling on donating money for a needy person to perform ‘umrah?

  • It is permissible and counts as charity. (correct answer)
  • It is forbidden unless the donor performs ‘umrah too.
  • It is only allowed during Ramadan.
  • It automatically becomes sadaqah jaariyah.

Why

Donating money for a needy person to perform ‘umrah or Hajj is permissible and is considered an act of kindness and charity. The donor may dedicate the reward of this money to a deceased Muslim. However, this is not classified as sadaqah jaariyah, because ongoing charity is an endowment whose benefit continues, such as a mosque, a well, or beneficial books.

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8. Can a father force his son to give charity only to specific people?

  • No, but the son should consider his father’s good advice. (correct answer)
  • Yes, the father may control every charity decision.
  • Yes, if the father dislikes charitable organizations.
  • No, and the son should never give to relatives.

Why

A father does not have the right to force his son to give charity to certain people or prevent him from giving to others. The hadith “You and your wealth belong to your father” does not mean that the father controls the son’s charitable giving in that way. However, if the father is advising him to do something good, such as giving to needy relatives and upholding ties of kinship, it is preferable for the son to consider and respond to that advice.

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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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