Charity across Faiths: The Ethical and Spiritual Dimensions of Giving in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam

Abstract

God has created the whole universe and put all the required resources for the humanity. He bestowed different mental capacities to human which help out them to learn their livelihood. Some people in very society become incapable to earn. For those weaker people God command the rich to give something from their wealth so they could also fulfill their needs. Charity holds a strong position in Judaism, Christianity and Islam with different frameworks. If we see Judaism, Tzedakah is known as covenantal duty to develop equity and justice through acts of giving. It is reflected in rabbinic teachings and biblical commands. In Christianity the emphasis is on caritas, or selfless love that is inspired in the teachings of Jesus Christ AS. According to these teachings charity is a personal virtue and communal obligation. Islam provides the most comprehensive system of Charity in shape of zakah (Obligatory almsgiving) and sadaqah (voluntary charity). It develops social welfare and spiritual purification along with other benefits. In revealed religions charity is through God’s commandment and essential moral imperative which develops the growth of believers. This study highlights the theological foundation, historical evolvement and contemporary applications of Charity in Judaism, Christianity and Islam. This is a qualitative research based on books, articles and online sources to address the social inequalities and developing interfaith understanding.