As to the men that give alms, and the women that give alms, and those who lend to Allah a goodly loan – it will be increased manifold for them, and theirs will also be an honourable reward.
Islam, The Holy Qur’an, 57:19.
A man asked the Messenger of Allah (sa): ‘Messenger of Allah, which charity is the best?’ He replied: ‘That you give something as charity when you are healthy, greedy, expect survival and fear poverty, and not that you postpone it until your death, and then you say: For so-and-so is this, and for so-and-so is that, while it was already for them.’
Islam, Saying of The Holy Prophet (sa), Sunan Abi Dawud Hadith 2865.
Render not vain your alms with reproaches or injury, that is to say, never remind your donee that you had bestowed anything on him nor inflict any injury upon him, for in such case your charity would be rendered vain, nor spend your money merely for display. Be benevolent towards your fellow beings, for Allah loves those who are benevolent.
Islam, Saying of The Promised Messiah (as), The Philosophy of The Teachings of Islam, p. 68.
If there is among you anyone in need, a member of your community in any of your towns within the land that the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hard-hearted or tight-fisted towards your needy neighbour. You should rather open your hand, willingly lending enough to meet the need, whatever it may be.
Judaism, The Torah, Deuteronomy 15:7-8.
Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.
Christianity, The Bible, Luke 3:11.
The husband and wife of the house should not turn away any who comes at eating time and asks for food. If food is not available, a place to rest, water for refreshing one’s self, a reed mat to lay one’s self on, and pleasing words entertaining the guest – these at least never fail in the houses of the good.
Hinduism, Apastamba, Dharma Sutra, 8:2.
One should give even from a scanty store to him who asks.
Buddhism, Dhammapada, 224
Charity – to be moved at the sight of the thirsty, the hungry, and the miserable and to offer relief to them out of pity – is the spring of virtue.
Jainism, Kunadakunda, Pancastikaya 137
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