The orchard
Almsgiving is voluntary help and charity. It is different from obligatory zakat: Zakat is given on the basis of a set set of conditions, and a person can give a zakat voluntarily.
What the Quran Says
The Quran describes the reward for spending property on good deeds and compares it to a seed that yields many stalks.[1] Believers are commanded to spend of good property, not to give what they themselves would not accept.[2]
How to Help Wisely
- First, do not leave helpless those for whom you already have responsibility.
- Make sure that the aid is actually reaching the person in need.
- Do not humiliate a man by telling him about your charity.
- Give your best: money, food, time, knowledge, and kindness can be different forms of support.
The list above is a simple instructional guide. It does not replace the rules of the obligatory zakat.