Mu' meneen Brothers and Sisters,

As Salaam Aleikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.  (May Allah's Peace, Mercy and Blessings be upon all of you)

One of our brothers/sisters has asked this question:

Can a charity be given to any needy or he has to be a muslim? Is there no reward from Allah if you give to a non-muslim. What about humanity then?

(There may be some grammatical and spelling errors in the above statement. The forum does not change anything from questions, comments and statements received from our readers for circulation in confidentiality.)

Answer:

Charity for Non-muslims

In the name of Allah, We praise Him, seek His help and ask for His  forgiveness. Whoever Allah guides none can misguide, and whoever He allows to fall astray, none can guide them aright. I bear witness that there is no one (no idol, no person, no grave, no prophet, no imam, no dai, nobody!) worthy of worship but Allah Alone, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave-servant and the seal of His Messengers.

According to the guidance given by Allah and His Messenger (saws), the obligatory charity or ‘zakah’ is only for the muslims.

But regular charity and ‘sadaqa’ is for muslims and non-muslims alike. When one is hungry and needs to be fed, it does not matter whether the recipient is a muslim or a non-muslim. When one is sick and needs medicine, surgery, etc. it does not matter whether the recipient is a muslim or a non-muslim. When one is in need of help, then it does not matter whether the recipient is a muslim or a non-muslim.

All human beings are slaves and creations of Allah, whether they acknowledge Him or not. Muslims are supposed to be well-wishers of mankind, and Allah will give him his due reward when he spends on any slave of Allah, as long as he is seeking only the Pleasure of Allah for his deeds. Helping a human being aside, the Messenger of Allah (saws) said, that even if one gives water to a thirsty animal, or food to a hungry animal, he will have his reward with Allah! The Messenger of Allah (saws) constantly reminded the muslims to be well-wishers of humanity and any creature of Allah alike.

Allah says in the Holy Quran Chapter 3 Surah Ale Imran verse 110:You (muslims) are the best community which has been raised for the guidance of mankind. You enjoin what is right, and forbid what is evil and you all believe in Allah Alone.

And Allah Alone Knows Best, and He is the Only Source of Strength.

Whatever written of Truth and benefit is only due to Allah’s Assistance and Guidance, and whatever of error is of me. Allah Alone Knows Best and He is the Only Source of Strength.

Your Brother in Islam,

Burhan