CHARITY AS AN OBLIGATION FROM GOD
Is charity an obligation in God’s Holy Books?
GoogleAI Mode: “Yes, charity is a central and mandatory obligation across the major holy books of the Abrahamic faiths, often presented as a divine command rather than a mere suggestion.
The Holy Bible (Judaism & Christianity)
In the biblical tradition, charity is framed as a matter of justice (tzedakah) and a direct command from God.
The Law of Moses: The Torah explicitly commands believers to “open your hand wide” to the poor and needy. Specific laws like Gleaning (leaving parts of the harvest for the poor) are presented as mandatory requirements (Deuteronomy 24:19-22).
The Prophets: Disregarding the needy is described not just as unkindness, but as direct disobedience to God that can lead to judgment.
The Teachings of Jesus: In the New Testament, Jesus describes charity as one of the “weightier matters of the law”. In the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats, eternal destiny is explicitly linked to whether one has provided for the hungry, thirsty, and naked.
Apostolic Teaching: St. Paul and St. James both describe charity (love/almsgiving) as the fulfillment of the law. James 1:27 defines “pure and undefiled religion” as visiting orphans and widows in their affliction.
The Holy Quran (Islam)
In Islam, charity is a fundamental pillar of faith and a legal obligation.
Zakat (Obligatory Almsgiving): One of the Five Pillars of Islam is Zakat, a mandatory annual donation (typically 2.5% of specific wealth) intended for the poor and marginalized.
Sadaqah (Voluntary Charity): Beyond the mandatory Zakat, the Quran encourages Sadaqah, emphasizing that wealth belongs to God and must be shared with humanity.
Definition of Charity: The Prophet Muhammad expanded the obligation of charity beyond money, stating that even a “cheerful face” or “checking oneself from doing evil” is an act of charity.
The Book of Mormon (Latter-day Saint Tradition)
The Pure Love of Christ: Charity is defined as “the pure love of Christ” (Moroni 7:47) and is described as a “commandment that all men should have charity”.
Necessity for Salvation: The text warns that without charity, a person is “nothing” and cannot inherit the kingdom of God.”
CALCULATING FOR CHARITY
GoogleAI Mode: “Calculations and percentages for charity vary by faith, often based on specific financial thresholds and ancient scriptural formulas.
- Islam: Zakat
Zakat is a mandatory annual payment for adult Muslims whose wealth exceeds a minimum threshold called Nisab.
The Percentage: Generally 2.5% of a person’s total qualifying wealth.
The Threshold (Nisab): Set at the value of 87.48 grams of gold or 612.36 grams of silver.
What is Taxed: Savings, cash, gold/silver, business assets, and shares held for a full lunar year (Hawl).
Special Rates: Agricultural produce may be taxed at 5% or 10% depending on irrigation methods.
- Judaism: Tzedakah and Ma’aser
Modern Jewish practice centers on Ma’aser Kesafim (“a tenth of money”).
Standard Rate: 10% of net income after taxes is the standard obligation for those with a decent living.
The “Gold Standard”: Preferably, one should set aside 20% if affordable. Giving more than 20% is generally discouraged so that the giver does not become needy themselves.
Minimum: Even someone in impoverished conditions is expected to give a symbolic minimum, often cited as approximately $2 annually.
- Christianity: Tithing
While practices vary by denomination, the concept of a Tithe (meaning “tenth”) remains the primary benchmark.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: Members are required to give 10% of their “interest” or income annually. This is often interpreted as 10% of gross or net income.
Mainline & Evangelical Denominations: Many churches teach that 10% of gross income is the biblical standard, though it is often voluntary rather than an enforced requirement for membership.
Actual Practice: Studies suggest only about 5% of churchgoers regularly tithe the full 10%, while the majority give between 2% and 5%.
Comparison Summary Table
Faith
Islam
Obligatory Term
Zakat
Typical Percentage
2.5%
Basis for Calculation
Total surplus wealth above Nisab
Faith
Judaism
Obligatory Term
Ma’aser Kesafim
Typical Percentage
10% – 20%
Basis for Calculation
Net income/wages after taxes
Faith
Latter-day Saint
Obligatory Term
Tithing
Typical Percentage
10%
Basis for Calculation
Annual income or “increase.”
World Peace 
Leave a comment