Ways to Give Charity When You Are on a Budget

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“Every act of goodness is charity.” – Al-Bukhari

Many people would like to lend a helping hand to the poor and those in need, but their financial capabilities pose some sort of restraints.

But there are many zero-cost ways that may help them give charity, enabling them to make a difference, even without having to spend a lot of money – Here’s how:

Ways to Give Charity When You Are on a Budget - About Islam

1. Volunteer – Donate your time

Many charity organizations depend heavily on the efforts of volunteers. Volunteering is a worthy way of contributing to your community and helping those in need, and this can be just as valuable as cash donations.

2. Help Someone

If you have a special skill — such as writing, cooking, or photography — think of offering your services pro bono. Many charities, non-profits, and advocacy groups have specialized needs but can’t afford dedicated staff.

Ways to Give Charity When You Are on a Budget - About Islam

3. Give blood – It’s always needed

Donating blood is a wonderful way to give back to your community because it is always needed.  More importantly, your donation could help save someone’s life.

4. Donate your stuff

Many charities and non-profits accept donated goods, including clothes, shoes, furniture, and cars. If you have some stuff to get rid of, consider giving it to a good cause rather than throwing it out.

5. Set up a fundraiser

You can raise funds for charity in many ways—by organizing a local collection, sharing your favorite causes on social media, or participating in a sponsored walk.

Setting up a fundraiser via social media or online platform is also a good way.

Here are some platforms that can help in this regard:

Launchgood: a crowd funding platform focused on the Muslim community worldwide.

Muslimgiving: Its goal is to help Muslim charities secure vital funds, by providing a bespoke online donation platform for the charities, fundraisers and donors. 

6. Be charitable in your actions

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said,

“On every joint of man, there is charity, on everyday when the sun rises: doing justice between two men is charity, and assisting a man to ride an animal or to load his luggage on it is charity; and a good word is charity, every step which one takes towards (the mosque for) Salat is charity, and removing harmful things from the way is charity”. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

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