How Can the Poor Give Charity Without Money? 6 Actions That Count as Charity
Charity in Islam is not limited to money; every beneficial act or kind word counts. Here are six examples of actions the poor can do without money to earn great rewards
In Islam, charity is not restricted to money; any act or word that benefits others and leaves a positive impact is considered a charity. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) mentioned simple actions that can earn the reward of charity:
1. Kind Words: Every good word that brings joy to someone or comforts them counts as charity.
2. Guiding the Lost: Directing someone to the path of good, spiritually or practically, is a charity.
3. Removing Harm from the Path: Removing obstacles like stones, thorns, or anything that may hurt passersby.
4. Smiling at Others: Greeting others with a smile is a simple yet rewarding form of charity.
5. Teaching Beneficial Knowledge: Sharing knowledge that benefits people in religion or life is ongoing charity.
6. Glorifying and Remembering God: Frequent dhikr, like saying "SubhanAllah wa bihamdihi," is considered charity.
The Islamic Research Academy confirmed ten daily actions that do not require money but count as charity: working with your hands, helping the needy, enjoining good, refraining from evil, removing harm, greeting people, visiting the sick, following funerals, guiding people, and smiling.
Authentic hadiths emphasize that every Muslim is obligated to perform charity daily; if one lacks money, they can work with their hands, help the needy, promote good, or refrain from evil—each action counted as charity.
The key message is that sincere intention and acts that bring joy or relief to others lead to great reward. Every good deed, no matter how small, is never wasted by Allah, as stated in the Quran: ﴿And whatever good you put forward for yourselves – you will find it with Allah, better and greater in reward﴾.
Learn about the authentic evening adhkar from the Sunnah, their virtues, recommended repetitions, and how they bring protection, peace, and blessings.
Ruqyah Shar’iyyah is one of the Islamic methods of seeking healing and protection through Quranic verses and prophetic supplications. Learn its correct method, verses, and duas.
Learn the dates of the White Days of Safar, the virtues of fasting them, why they are called the White Days, and the Islamic teachings regarding this recommended Sunnah.
Discover the complete story of Prophet David (Dawood) in Islam, including how he became both a king and a prophet, his miracles, his devotion to worship, and his remarkable life according to the Quran and authentic Sunnah.
