Ways to Teach Children About Charity and Donations

Allah says: "The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed of grain that sprouts seven ears; in every ear are a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing." (Quran 2:261).

Islam has given great importance to charity due to its role in strengthening bonds and unity within the Islamic community, as intended by Allah Almighty. However, the virtues of charity extend beyond the community; it also benefits the giver, as charity deeply roots noble qualities in one's soul, such as altruism, generosity, and self-discipline. For this reason, many parents are keen to instill these values in their children from a young age.

In this article, we provide practical and educational tips and methods to teach children about charity, its meanings, and how to internalize it in understandable and acceptable ways.

First, What Are the Benefits of Charity for Children?

As mentioned earlier, charity profoundly strengthens social bonds, fosters brotherhood among community members, and instills psychological and moral values in the giver. But what are the specific effects a child may experience through practicing charity?

• Boosting Self-Confidence

When children feel capable, through small actions, of making a positive difference in the community, they develop a lasting sense of confidence in themselves and their abilities.

• Developing Empathy

Understanding others' feelings, empathizing with them, and working to ease their burdens through charity helps children build emotional intelligence and a deep understanding of others. This positively affects their relationships and reduces aggression and hostility among children.

• Learning Financial Management

Teaching children how to manage money is a crucial life skill. Through charity, children learn the value of money, how to manage it, and the importance of saving. This foundation will make it easier for them to handle financial matters responsibly in the future.

• Strengthening Social Bonds

By explaining the concept of charity to children and helping them apply it in their lives, they gain a deeper understanding of the importance of social bonds and their role within their community. They learn that they are not alone in this world but part of a group to which they are responsible.

• Fostering a Sense of Responsibility

Instilling values of social connection and teaching children their role in giving back to the community strengthens their sense of responsibility toward society and those less fortunate. This foundation nurtures a lasting sense of accountability in them.

• Reinforcing Religious and Ethical Values

Charity holds significant religious importance that a child learns by simplifying this concept and explaining the reward and high status promised to charitable people in this life and the hereafter. This strengthens the child's understanding that religion is a way of life that benefits both them and their community.

Tips for Teaching Children the Concept of Giving

Children may not immediately understand the importance of charity, which requires extra effort from parents to instill this value in them. Here are some practical tips to help you:

• Talking About the Importance of Giving Through Books and Stories

The human mind is naturally drawn to stories, so start by discussing the concept of charity and its importance for both the child and society. You can also simplify this concept by telling stories that celebrate charity and inspire a love for giving to make it memorable for them.

• Setting a Good Example

Children learn through imitation, especially from their parents. Be a role model for them; for instance, when you take them to Friday prayers, make sure to donate to the mosque's charity box afterward. This will encourage your children to imitate you and foster a love for charity.

• Encouraging Donation of Personal Items

Encourage your children to practice charity by suggesting that they donate personal items they choose themselves, either annually or semi-annually. You could encourage them to donate toys they no longer use or clothes in excellent condition, which teaches them both generosity and responsibility for their belongings.

• Allocating Part of Their Allowance for Charity

Another beneficial idea is to encourage children to set aside a portion of their daily or weekly allowance for charity. This teaches them how to manage their personal finances effectively, along with instilling the values of generosity and charity.

• Celebrating Acts of Kindness

Positive reinforcement is an effective way to encourage children. Celebrate and praise their acts of charity. Children are motivated by your approval, helping to cultivate good behavior.

• Participating in Family Volunteering Activities

You can also dedicate one day each month to participating in volunteer activities through an organization and include your children, making it a fun family activity and a chance to spend time together while engaging in something pleasing to God.

What is Tkiyet Um Ali’s Child-to-Child Campaign?

Even the smallest act of giving can make a difference, especially from one child to another! With this belief, Tkiyet Um Ali launched the "Child to Child" campaign to involve children in creating positive change, instilling good values, a sense of belonging to their community and improving the lives of children in need. Through this campaign, children are encouraged to support their less fortunate peers by dedicating a monthly amount of ten Jordanian dinars to help secure essential food supplies and donating it through Tkiyet Um Ali's website to contribute to this cause. This simple act reinforces the importance of charitable work for children and nurtures a sense of social responsibility from a young age.

The Importance of Charity in Society

In conclusion, charity plays a vital role in building a compassionate community founded on cooperation and solidarity. Moreover, fostering a culture of giving not only improves the lives of those in need but also has a positive impact on the donors. 

Teaching children to give not only enhances their confidence, empathy, and sense of responsibility but also instills in them the values of generosity and compassion. And as we teach our children the importance of giving, we raise a generation committed to social unity and compassion, creating a positive cycle of change.

Let us all be part of this positive impact and strive to make giving a daily habit that drives the change we aspire to achieve.