93: Sincere Charity without Delay

"...Give charity without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity..."

This week, I’m reflecting on several sayings of the Prophet Mohammad and the Quran and along with the definition of Sadaqah.

Reflection questions:

• How are framing our messaging around giving to include this meaning of charity as speaking truth?

• How do we give our donors the opportunity to speak truth, to speak up when our missions are facing some type of external challenge?

Reflection on quotes:

We are in the middle of Ramadan, a holy month for Muslims. A common practice during the month is giving voluntarily to charity, which is also known sadaqah. The meaning of each religious concept of charity points to the underlying motivation. The word, sadaqah, is defined as to be truthful, true or sincere, to speak the truth, to establish or confirm the truth of what is said, sincerity, soundness, excellence in a variety of different objects and the giving for the sake of Allah.  In general, sadaqah means a noble act of giving by a person to others sanctified for the sake of Allah in many forms and ways according to one researcher. So, this week, I’m reflecting on several sayings of the Prophet Mohammad and the Quran.

As I read the definition of sadaqah, I thought about how giving brings truth to the donor, the organization or person receiving it, and to our communities. By giving, the donor has the opportunity to engage more deeply with the causes we serve.  By giving, the donor lives out their true intentions and desires for our communities.  By giving, the donor speaks the truth that our missions matter.

These quotes have entered the public domain.

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Music credit: Woeisuhmebop