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11 Sep 2025

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "When the son of Adam dies, his deeds come to an end, except for three: a continuous charity (sadaqa jariyah), or knowledge from which people benefit, or a righteous child who prays for him."

This hadith highlights the virtue of charity, especially continuous charity, and how its reward continues even after death as long as it benefits others. In Islam, helping poor and needy families is considered one of the noblest actions to teach children from a young age. It brings them closer to their Creator and instills a sense of responsibility toward their community.

Charitable acts are not limited to material support; they also teach values like compassion, generosity, and solidarity, shaping the child’s character and promoting a spirit of citizenship.

In this article, we will discuss practical ways to nurture a love for charitable acts in children, turning giving into a noble practice that can be built and enhanced through awareness and proper guidance from parents and educators.

Involving Children in Charity from a Young Age

As our ancestors said: "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Thus, involving children in charitable activities from an early age helps instill the values of giving in their hearts, making them active members of society as they grow.

It is recommended that children see their parents helping those in need or participating in volunteer work so they learn that giving is an integral part of everyday life. Parents can begin encouraging their children to collect donations or donate gently used clothes to poor families.

One delightful idea to engage children in the cycle of giving is to have them participate in a donation campaign where they contribute part of their allowance or favorite food to be distributed to those in need in their neighborhood. Children can also contribute by visiting orphanages or nursing homes, offering simple gifts or logistical assistance, which fosters a sense of responsibility toward others.

Talking About the Importance of Giving in Islam or Religious Values

Performing charitable acts without linking them to a religious or higher value is like "carving on water." Efforts in this context may go to waste without leaving a true impact. When charity is performed with noble religious values or a high humanitarian goal, its effect is long-lasting.

Parents can explain to children that giving is both a religious duty and an opportunity to achieve happiness in this life and the Hereafter. Sharing stories from the Qur'an and Sunnah, such as the story of Uthman ibn Affan, who donated everything he owned to help the poor, reinforces these values. Religious occasions like Ramadan are perfect times to encourage children to calculate their Zakat or donate part of their allowance to help the poor, connecting religion to their everyday lives.

Teaching Children Through Good Example

Talking about the importance of helping the poor and the value of charity is essential, but action speaks louder than words. Children learn best by observing and imitating, so the best way to instill values of giving is for parents to be role models.

Parents can donate to the poor regularly, visit charity organizations, or provide food for the homeless. Also, taking children along to buy food and distribute it to the poor allows them to see the importance of helping others firsthand. This fosters a deeper understanding and encourages children to imitate their parents’ behavior.

Using Practical Activities to Teach Giving

Parents can also organize regular volunteer activities, such as making a donation to donation centers and collecting unused toys or items to give them to kids their age in an orphanage. It’s important that the items donated are in good condition to instill in children the value of giving quality items. Additionally, organizing neighborhood cleanup campaigns with other children helps them understand that giving is not limited to financial donations but can also involve contributing time and effort.

Explaining the Impact of Helping Others on Society

It’s important to explain to children that helping others impacts both individuals and society as a whole. When people help others—whether through money, time, or emotional support—they contribute to building a more cohesive and united community. This positive interaction fosters cooperation and solidarity among people, creating an environment conducive to personal and collective growth.

Helping others also improves the quality of life for everyone. When individuals receive support during hard times, whether financially or socially, they are better able to contribute to society. Additionally, helping others strengthens the sense of belonging and reduces social isolation and crime rates.

The Long-Term Impact of Instilling the Love of Giving

Instilling the love of giving in children is not just a short-term behavior, but a long-term investment that benefits both the individual and society. When a child learns that the ways to help the poor are not limited to material things but a value tied to compassion and sharing, they carry these values with them throughout their lives. Over time, the child becomes more aware of the struggles of others, which strengthens social bonds and improves relationships.

Moreover, the love of giving helps build an empathetic and caring character, fostering social responsibility and making the child an active participant in their community. This impact goes beyond the child and extends to their family and society, where everyone plays a part in making the world a better place.