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The Islamic faith revolves around charitable giving, meaning there are various types of religious charity, some of which are compulsory, while others are voluntary. Lillah is one of the voluntary forms of charity, so Muslims aren’t obliged to carry out this mode of giving, but it’s very much encouraged. This is down to the fact that Muslims deem all their possessions and wealth temporary gifts from Allah (SWT), and these can’t be taken to the Hereafter. Therefore, those who are blessed with wealth have a responsibility to share this wealth with the less fortunate. This requires them to be aware of the suffering of others and use their privilege to help pave the way towards a fairer existence, as everyone is equal in the eyes of Allah (SWT).
So, what is a Lillah donation? Essentially, Lillah is a form of voluntary charity like Sadaqah. Unlike Sadaqah, though, Lillah isn’t usually given to a person; instead, it’s given to an institution like a mosque, hospital, or children’s home. Quite simply, Lillah is used to contribute to the betterment of others, regardless of their religious background.
The Lillah meaning in Islam is “for Allah (SWT)”, so Lillah is any form of charity that’s given in the name of Allah (SWT).
Lillah works to bring hope and assistance to some of the most vulnerable members of society. Not only does it help lift people from devastating circumstances, but it also provides the giver with a world of benefits. This is because it allows them to develop from both moral and religious perspectives.
Since Lillah is intended to benefit Allah’s (SWT) people, it has the power to achieve the following:
As previously mentioned, Lillah is just one of the many types of charity in Islam, but how does it compare to the others?
Lillah vs Zakat – The main difference between Lillah and Zakat is that Zakat is a compulsory form of charity with set rules. All Muslims of sound mind with wealth that meets the Nisab threshold are required to give away 2.5% of their wealth each year. Meanwhile, there are no rules about giving Lillah; anyone can donate it at any time and in any amount.
Lillah vs Fitrana – The number one distinction between Lillah and Fitrana is that Fitrana is an obligatory type of charity. All Muslims of sound mind with wealth that meets the Nisab threshold need to make a Fitrana donation at the end of Ramadan. This isn’t the case for Lillah, as anyone can partake in this form of giving at any time and in any amount.
Lillah vs Qurbani – The key difference between Lillah and Qurbani is that Qurbani is compulsory. Traditionally, Qurbani required all Muslims of sound mind with wealth that meets the Nisab threshold to sacrifice an animal and distribute the meat evenly among themselves and their families, their friends and neighbours, and those in need. Today, no one other than licenced slaughterhouses are allowed to slaughter animals in the UK, which means that UK-based Muslims tend to make monetary Qurbani donations instead. With Lillah, there’s no ritual linked to this, and any amount can be donated at any time.
Lillah vs Fidya – The primary distinction between Lillah and Fidya is that Fidya is an obligatory mode of charity that Muslims must pay if they’re unable to fast during Ramadan. On the other hand, Lillah doesn’t have to be a response to anything; it’s just giving for the sake of Allah (SWT).
Lillah vs Kaffarah – The biggest difference between Lillah and Kaffarah is that Kaffarah is a compulsory type of charity that Muslims need to pay if they’re able to fast during Ramadan, but they break their fast. Lillah isn’t a penalty for anything – it’s simply about giving in the name of the Creator.
Lillah vs Sadaqah – Lillah and Sadaqah are similar in the sense that they’re both voluntary forms of charity. Despite this, Sadaqah doesn’t have to be given as money; it can also refer to kind gestures.
Lillah vs Sadaqah Jariyah – Lillah and Sadaqah Jariyah are both types of voluntary charity; however, Sadaqah Jariyah has to have an impact that lives on even after the giver has passed. In contrast, the effects of Lillah can be short-lived.
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Here at Orphans in Need, we encourage our donors to give from the goodness of their hearts, and that’s what Lillah is all about. We have a number of appeals that work to improve the lives of people around the globe, so be sure to choose one that’s close to your heart. Your Lillah has the power to change lives, so please give generously today.