Allah loves the charitable and rewards them in untold ways. A sure way to receive blessings is through giving in charity.

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: “Charity does not decrease wealth.”

Those who do good deeds will be rewarded in Jannah, or Paradise, which is described in the Koran as “gardens of pleasure”. The reward of pleasure will vary according to the righteousness of the person.

Qualities of the people who will enter Paradise include believing in God, doing good deeds, acting righteously, observing prayer, and giving in charity.

Islam believes people will be judged on their good and bad deeds on the Day of Judgement, also known as the Day of Reckoning. On this day, God will examine every act and intention, no matter how small, with absolute justice and without accepting excuses.

No one will be able to explain why they sinned; plenty of time was given for repentance but many chose not to. Muslims also  believe that a set of scales will balance good deeds and bad deeds. The balance of the scales will determine our acceptance into Heaven or Hell.

Giving in charity is considered a deed of immeasurable good. Islam teaches that charity is a central part of life, and that it is a way to share blessings and support others.

The Koran mentions charity many times, and  Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) taught that charity brings blessings (barakah) and prosperity in this life and the next.

Allah, in his mercy, has created us all with Fitr, an innate desire and ability to do good. Hence most people give without a second thought. Those are the fortunate ones whom have acted on their innate instinct of performing good deeds.

What is the meaning of charity? Charity in the secular sense is  is often associated with religion, and there are various philosophies about it. The word charity comes from the old French word charite, which comes from the Latin word caritas meaning affection or love.

So charity from it’s early inception comes from the love and affection from mankind to  mankind. We extend charity’s meaning to giving to those in need. Further and most importantly, charity is to give without expecting anything in return. This should be  the key in understanding how charity works.

Charity is only financial, but also exists in acts of kindness, giving what you know someone needs without them having to ask. In Islam, a smile is considered charity too.

Many of us have lost the plot when it comes to charity, as we are expecting something in return, which is not true charity, and this may cause one to lose out on the blessings which come with charity.

God alone rewards the charitable in His own time and in His own way.

God has made it easy to please Him and in so doing we save our own souls too, so let's get into the mode of giving unconditionally; this is the true essence of charity and brings us blessings. Remember, it is better to give than it is to receive.

Bermuda, have a blessed week.

As salaam alaikum (peace be unto you)

• Linda Walia Ming is a member of the Bermuda Hijab Dawah Team, a group of Muslim women who reside in Bermuda and have a goal of educating the community about the religion of Islam