2 Islamic articles on: charity

Table of contents for the topic charity
  1. Can we give sadaqa (alms) to non-Muslims?
  2. Does God reward involuntary charity?

IslamQA: Can we give sadaqa (alms) to non-Muslims?

Salam, brother! my question is whether we can give alms, sadqa to non Muslims? or is it obligatory to be given to only Muslims?

Alaikumassalam wa rahmatullah,

Absolutely, we are required to take care of the needy regardless of their religion. The only controversial issue is whether the obligatory zakat alms can be given to non-Muslims. It is generally believed that Muslims should be given preference when it comes to giving zakat, but if there are non-Muslims in extreme need then they too can be given it to save their lives.

But when it comes to ordinary charity, we can give it to anyone, Muslim or non-Muslim, and for any cause that is meant to make the world a better place.

References:

IslamQA: Does God reward involuntary charity?

Salam, I was wondering if we get ajur for things that we might not necessarily do willingly. my father is financially abusive & I was wondering if the money he takes from me could count as ajur for me? it would make me feel better if it did but I know that generally in Islam your good deeds come with intentions. similarly what about money you give to your family bc u feel obligated? thank you in advance.

Alaikumassalam wa rahmatullah,

Sorry to read about your situation. It is mentioned in Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim:

Jabir (Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: Never a Muslim plants a tree, but he has the reward of charity for him, for what is eaten out of that is charity; what is stolen out of that, what the beasts eat out of that, what the birds eat out of that is charity for him. (In short) none incurs a los!k to him but it becomes a charity on his part. (Book 10, Number 3764)

Since the money that your father takes from you is similar to money that is stolen, the above hadith can be said to apply to it. If you are patient for the sake of God then He, in His justice and mercy, will be sure to reward you in this life and the next.

As for money that you give to your family out of a sense of duty, then that can be considered a form of worship. Even if it is a duty, God can still reward it: all actions we take in this life out of consideration for our duties as believers and agents of God on earth will be rewarded by Him as forms of worships.