Giving is a concept that can be found in most religions – if not all.
It is espoused by both the Bible and the Qur’an. In fact if you look at the following verses you’ll be struck by the similarity of what the two religions tell their believers to do.
Giving shows the believers’ love for their God:
“And they feed, for the love of Allah, the poor, the orphan, and the captive.” (Qur’an 76:8)
“If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” (1 John 3: 17-18)
Giving in secret:
“If you give alms openly, it is well, and if you hide it and give it to the poor, it is better for you” (Qur’an 2:271)
“But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:3-43)
There are other similarities such as the concept of “tithing” wherein a portion of a person’s earning should be given back to the church.
Generosity is also encouraged in Buddhism and Hinduism. In Buddhism they have what they call dāna, which when translated means generosity. However, it means more than just the word but actually refers to the practice of cultivating generosity. To Buddhists the more they give selflessly in this life the better off they will be in the next life. A belief that even Christians whose “treasures are stored up in heaven” and Muslims also believe.
The question now though is this: With all the teachings of different religions telling us to give are you practicing what you say you believe in? Do you give? In what way? How much? And more importantly, WHY?
You can find more info on giving to HAITI at Google’s Haiti Crisis Response Page.
Originally posted on January 25, 2010 @ 3:50 pm