Did you know the immense transformational experience associated with the act of giving?
Giving lets us show our love to Allah and to those whom we give. Those who give testify the enormous joys that giving brings to their lives.
If we want to get scientific about giving, we learn from a 2008 study by Harvard Business School professor Michael Norton and colleagues that giving money lifts the participants’ happiness more than spending it on themselves (despite participants’ prediction that spending on themselves would make them happier).
We also learn from a 2006 study conducted at the National Institutes of Health by that Jorge Moll and colleagues that when people give, it activates regions of the brain associated with pleasure, social connection, and trust, creating a “warm glow” effect.
We all look for happiness and joys elsewhere not realizing that Allah has given us the resources to bring joy to our lives now. Today. Tomorrow. Until we are alive.
If giving can open so many doors, then why don’t we give?
No excuse should stop us from giving. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Protect yourself from hell-fire even by giving a piece of date as a charity.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
Let’s give to express our gratitude to Allah for what He has blessed us with. Let’s give so Allah can give us more. Let’s give with a clean heart to increase the chances of acceptance of our deeds. Let’s give so we can live more fulfilling and happy lives!
We learn in Surah Al-Baqarah in the Quran, verse 261, “The example of those who spend (give) their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.”
Let’s make giving part of our lives. There are many around us who struggle to find food, money, water, clothing, and shelter. Let’s look for them and give. You will be surprised how your life will change for the better.
Start giving, and start living a new life!
