Do as much charity (sadaqah) as possible; monetary
or physical(smiling included :)). Yet, it is important that we give sadaqah for
the pleasure of Allah as the reward is for the hereafter and not for human
acknowledgement or worldly rewards.
(Al-Mudathir:
6)
In actual
truth, I had begun to practice the art of giving sadaqah more frequently
approximately eight months before performing my hajj. It included giving
sadaqah to those I felt uncomfortable with, such as the beggars who walked up
to my house gate every month, or those who stopped me as I approach my car with
an excuse of a donation. Issues such as scams and the eligibility of the person making the pledge often cloud my mind. Slowly, I was able to push all negative thoughts aside and just focus on the act of sadaqah itself.
In terms of the amount we give, it is often said that giving RM1 is better than nothing. However, I am of the opinion that when giving, if it won't even feel a pinch, then why not raise the bar? This, however, must be done in istiqomah and ikhlas. For me, I raised both the frequency and amount.
In terms of the amount we give, it is often said that giving RM1 is better than nothing. However, I am of the opinion that when giving, if it won't even feel a pinch, then why not raise the bar? This, however, must be done in istiqomah and ikhlas. For me, I raised both the frequency and amount.
Now, imagine
being able to give sadaqah in the holy lands - MasyaAllah! I tried hard to make
it a habit there, to give sadaqah to the cleaners in the holy mosques and in
the streets, on a daily basis. There were also opportunities to tip any mutawif, and even fellow hujjaj, Alhamdulillah. Every time I
reached my own target at something, such as completing an umrah or reciting the
whole Quran, I ensured I gave more as a form of appreciation and gratitude to Allah
swt.
Ergo, after a
month of this amazing process of purification, I came home wanting to tip
everyone who crossed my path! SubhanAllah, I notice that I have become more
generous and definitely less calculative (especially with my children!).
O Allah, I
beseech You for sustenance (rezq): abundant, good and lawful-from the
sustenance You own.
NB: May Allah
forgive me for my sins and protect me from any form of evil or feelings of
riya' for sharing a very personal practice of mine
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