Giving To Charity: A Step Towards a Healthier You?

"Take alms out of their wealth, so that thou mayest cleanse them and purify them thereby..." (9:103)

In this Quranic verse, God Almighty is encouraging the believers almost fourteen hundred years ago to give charity to help those in need to cleanse their wealth and also to achieve self-purification.

And its just not monetary or material help, even giving a smile is considered charity in the Islamic faith. Many other world religions like Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism and Buddhism all teach about almsgiving, compassion for others and helping those in need.

The word “charity” comes from a Latin word ‘caritas’ meaning love and giving/volunteering is the best example of ‘love in action’.

But what does it mean in today’s world? The same what it meant centuries ago but now we have medical research proving its benefits. According to John Hopkins Medical research Center:

“Living to give should be a motto used in everybody’s daily life. Giving has been proven to improve mental health and physical health”

A study by Cornell University has found that volunteering increases a person’s energy, sense of mastery over life, self-esteem, ability of body to resist disease. It has also been observed to reduce chest pain related to heart conditions and to lower cholesterol.

The positive emotions release endorphins into the bloodstream. Endorphins are the body’s natural tranquilizers and they help relax the heart. Other researches have concluded that volunteering immediately lowers depression for those over age 65, and over time lowers depression in all age groups, it reduces social isolation, anxiety and blood pressure.

So due to both physical and mental benefits, people who volunteer and do charity tend to live longer.

Muslims are prescribed to fast during Ramadan and also to increase charity in order to attain nearness to God Almighty but it is mind blowing to see that the route to help others actually leads to help one’s own health. Remarkable, isn’t it?

Zakat or almsgiving at a prescribed rate is considered an obligatory part of the Islamic faith and most of its collection is done during Ramadan and funds collected are distributed all over the world where ever they are needed most. Those who are not able to fast during this month due to health conditions, travel or job related limitations, are also obligated to feed a needy person for every fast missed as compensation and is called Fidya. Another type of donation Fitrana is also collected at the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan.

Throughout the year, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, GA-Chapter like other compassionate people, is always trying to do its part by helping those in need and especially during Ramadan to receive abundant blessings. Earlier this year we were involved in raising funds for the Tsunami stricken people of Japan and also the Tornado victims of our home state Georgia.

So far in this Ramadan, we have been able to donate food (sandwiches and fruits) and water bottles to about 74 day laborers by visiting 4 different locations in Norcross and Atlanta of the metro area.

And this is just the beginning though, members will be engaging in more charitable activities for the remaining days of Ramadan including volunteering and food service at the battered women’s shelter in downtown Atlanta. We are also collecting items on their wish list like feminine hygiene products, diapers, canned items etc. and will be delivering these to them soon.

To me it seems that giving charity is a win win situation for everybody involved. On one level, it is fulfillment of God’s commandment and on the other level it is attainment of a healthier lifestyle while becoming a positive influence to the society. So don’t wait. Donate something today!