Charity in Islam: why giving matters

The short answer

In Islam, charity is both a duty and an act of love. Zakat is compulsory and is one of the five pillars. Sadaqah is voluntary and open to everyone. Together they care for the poor, purify wealth and build a fair community. Islam teaches that wealth belongs to Allah and people are trustees of it.

Why is charity so important in Islam?

Islam teaches that all wealth comes from Allah. People are trustees, so the poor have a right in what the rich own. Charity keeps wealth moving and protects people from hunger and despair.

The Qur’an often places prayer and charity together, as in 2:43. In 2:177 it counts giving wealth, even when you love it, among the signs of true righteousness.

What are the main forms of charity in Islam?

Some forms are required and others are voluntary.

Main forms of charity in Islam
Form of giving	Status	What it means
Zakat	Obligatory	2.5% yearly on wealth above the nisab
Zakat al-Fitr (Fitrana)	Obligatory	Food for each person at the end of Ramadan
Sadaqah	Voluntary	Any gift, any time
Sadaqah Jariyah	Voluntary	Ongoing gifts such as wells and schools
Waqf (endowment)	Voluntary	Property set aside for lasting public benefit
Fidya and Kaffarah	Obligatory in specific cases	Feeding the poor for missed fasts or broken oaths
Qurbani	Obligatory in some views, recommended in others	Sacrifice at Eid al-Adha, with meat shared with the poor

Learn more in Zakat in Kenya and Sadaqah in Islam.

How does charity benefit the giver?

Muslims believe giving brings reward from Allah and purifies the heart from greed. The Qur’an, in 2:261, compares charity to a seed that grows many times over.

Charity does not make a person poorer in the eyes of Islam. It teaches thankfulness, patience and care for others. It also builds a feeling of belonging in the community.

Who should I help first?

Start with those closest to you who are in need, then widen the circle. The Qur’an, in 2:177, mentions relatives, orphans, the needy, travellers and those who ask.

Family: poor relatives who are not already your duty to support.
Neighbours: people near you, whatever their faith.
Orphans and widows: those with no provider.
Communities in crisis: for example in times of drought or flood.

For Zakat, see the eight groups in Who can receive Zakat?

What does charity mean for communities in Kenya?

In Kenya, many families depend on rain, small farms and casual work. When a drought, flood or rise in food prices comes, giving can be the difference between a meal and no meal.

Kenyan Muslim communities from the coast to the north have long traditions of sharing, such as feeding neighbours and supporting relatives. Giving through a registered organisation can reach families far from you, in places like Garissa, Mombasa and beyond.

How should a Muslim give charity?

With sincerity. Give for the sake of Allah, not to show off.
With kindness. Do not remind the person of your gift or hurt their dignity.
From good, lawful earnings.
Quietly when possible. Hidden giving protects the receiver’s dignity.
Regularly. Small steady giving is better than rare big gifts.

How do I choose a trustworthy charity?

Choose an organisation that is registered, open about its work and clear about how it handles Zakat. In Kenya, check for registration with the Kenya NGO Board and ask how Zakat funds are kept separate.

Islamic Relief Kenya is registered with the Kenya NGO Board (Reg. No. 218/051/204/0374/3386).

How can I give to families in Kenya?

Go to the Islamic Relief Kenya donation page and choose a fund, such as ZAKAT, IFTAR or a Sadaqah fund. Pay by card or M-Pesa. You can also use Lipa na M-Pesa PayBill 949210 with the fund name as the account name.

In Ramadan, KES 15,500 feeds a family of 7 for the month, KES 3,700 for a week and KES 550 for a day. See also Zakat vs Sadaqah.

Support families in Kenya

Give Zakat or Sadaqah by M-Pesa or card, in Kenya shillings or other currencies.

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Frequently asked questions

What is charity in Islam?

Charity in Islam is giving to those in need for the sake of Allah. It includes compulsory Zakat, voluntary Sadaqah, ongoing gifts such as wells, and other acts of kindness. It is a core part of Muslim life.

Why is charity important in Islam?

Islam teaches that wealth comes from Allah and the poor have a right in the wealth of the rich. Charity purifies wealth, helps people in need and builds a fair and caring community.

What are the types of charity in Islam?

The main types are Zakat, Zakat al-Fitr, Sadaqah, Sadaqah Jariyah, Waqf, Fidya and Kaffarah, and the sharing of Qurbani meat. Some are compulsory and others are voluntary.

Is charity compulsory in Islam?

Part of it is. Zakat and Zakat al-Fitr are compulsory. Sadaqah is voluntary, but it is strongly encouraged. Fidya and Kaffarah are required in certain situations.

Can poor people give charity?

Yes. Charity in Islam is not only money. A poor person can give time, effort, knowledge or a kind word. Small gifts count, and the Prophet (peace be upon him) taught that even a smile is charity.

Who should I give charity to first?

Start with people close to you who are in need, such as poor relatives and neighbours, then widen to orphans, widows and communities in crisis. Zakat has its own eight categories of recipients.

Is it better to give secretly?

Giving quietly protects the dignity of the receiver and avoids showing off. Public giving can also be good if it encourages others, as long as the intention is sincere. Intention matters most.

How can I give charity in Kenya?

Give directly to people you know are in need, or through a registered organisation. With Islamic Relief Kenya, use the donation page or Lipa na M-Pesa PayBill 949210 with the fund name as the account.

Rules on this page are widely agreed. Where scholars differ, ask your local scholar or imam. Last reviewed 2 October 2026.