By Johara Al Mogbel

Charity, or sadaqah, is a huge part of Islam.You know what’s another thing that Islam encourages? Modesty and humility.

And charity and humility coupled together produces one of the most beautiful concepts in religion, as it rewards those who are so discreet in their giving that their left hand does not know what their right is giving. Anonymity helps both the person in need to receive the help and curbs the possibility of the person donating to do so for fame or a reputation.

Now, we understand that it may seem hard to do but we’ve researched a few tips for you to help make it easier. Without further ado, here they are. Don’t forget us in your prayers!

Websites Are One Of The Best Ways To Donate Secretly

Most valid Saudi charities have working websites and all of them list a number of bank account numbers with information and instructions on transferring. Tarahum (for the care of the families of prisoners) have a webpage with detailed poverty cases (rent payment, paying off debt or electricity/water bills) that allows you to choose a case to back and the amount you’d like to contribute.

You can donate as little as SR 1 up till paying off the entire case, should you like to do so. And that’s only an option. There’s a ton of other charities that allow you to do something similar. Do your research first, though, and choose a cause you feel strongly about that’s being dealt with by a charity that’s transparent about where the money’s going.

Find someone within your circle of existence to help

Sometimes the janitor at work or school might be in a bit of a tight spot or knows someone who is. Maybe a neighbor’s in a bind with regards to cooking for Ramadan or perhaps you’ve heard the local mosque is in desperate need of retiling.

You can share your food with the neighbor without them realizing who it is, a bonus can be left for the janitor or hire a worker to patch up the mosque with the instructions to keep his employer to himself. Be creative, and don’t underestimate how far a little help can go, no matter how silly it seems.

Simply Lend A Hand

Acts of kindness is a sadaqah in Islam, but so very few view it that way.  You’ll still be putting in towards charity but at the same time make it seem as if it’s a normal average task. Doubly so, if it’s for a stranger who will probably never know who you are. Smile to people on the street. Help an old man with his grocery cart. Pick up litter other horrible people have left. Pay for someone’s gasoline at the station.

Buy something for the person behind you at a fast food counter. Hand a Ramadan Kareem card to a cleaner in the street. Buy a friend a lantern for them to light up at home. Share your food. Yes, even that shawarma you’ve been craving all week. Somehow in Ramadan good deeds are so much easier to accomplish, so make the most of it as you can.

Keep in mind, however, that good deeds don’t start and stop with Ramadan. There are another eleven months in a year and causes never take a break, so do your worst!

Cover Photo Credit: inspiredliving.co.za