As-salamu alaykum,

Thank you for writing in to our live session. It is so wonderful to hear you would like to get involved in charity. Doing charity work is a blessing. Not only does it help those we are serving, but it also make us feel good when we help someone. It lightens and softens our hearts.

Many examples of this are given in the Qur’an and hadiths such as “You shall not attain righteousness until you spend out of what you love (in the way of Allah). Allah knows whatever you spend (3:92); “They will ask thee as to what they should spend on others. Say: “Whatever of your wealth you spend, shall (first) be for your parents, and for the near of kin, and the orphans, and the needy, and the wayfarer; and whatever good you do, verily, God has full knowledge thereof.” (Surah Baqarah, 2:215) and “Charity shall go to the poor who are suffering in the cause of GOD, and cannot emigrate. The unaware may think that they are rich, due to their dignity. But you can recognize them by certain signs; they never beg from the people persistently. Whatever charity you give, GOD is fully aware thereof (2:273).

I would kindly suggest that you write down a list of the issues in your community or elsewhere that are of high need. Chose a few that you feel you could offer the most benefit to. Contact local Islamic organizations already helping in this area and tell them you would like to be of service. I am sure they will welcome your help.

You can also check out your local Masjid and see what charitable events are going on there, such as homeless cooking and feeding days, clothes drives for the needy or other acts of support and kindness for those in need.

Networking with others in the Masjid and Islamic centers will also produce results of opportunity as many are involved in charity work.

We wish you the best, and may Allah SWT bless your efforts to provide for those less fortunate than you!