The month of fasting is a time filled with various joys, appreciation, and tolerance, especially for Muslims. One activity that brings wisdom not only to individuals but also to society is charity. Most people are likely familiar with the term charity or "shadaqah".

Charity involves one of the practices of Islam that teaches sharing wealth sincerely for the common good. It can be performed by individuals or organizations and can consist of giving material or non-material goods (such as rice, food, clothing, etc.) to those in need.

As one of the practices blessed by Allah SWT, charity brings numerous benefits to both the giver and the receiver. Additionally, the rewards gained from giving charity continue to flow even after the donor has passed away.

Surah Al-Baqarah: 217 explains various proofs of charity: 

"If you disclose your charitable gifts, it is well; but if you conceal them and give them to the poor, that is better for you. And Allah will remove from you some of your misdeeds. And Allah is aware of what you do". 

Besides bringing continuous blessings, charity has several other benefits, namely:

1. Cleansing Wealth

As an action that benefits others, charity can "cleanse" the wealth one has acquired. One of the verses supporting this is found in Surah Al-Baqarah: 267: 

"O you who have believed, spend from the good things which you have earned and from that which We have produced for you from the earth. And do not aim toward the defective therefrom, spending while you would not take it except with closed eyes. And know that Allah is Free of need and Praiseworthy." 

Wealth that one has acquired may come from various backgrounds and can even bring negative karma to one's life if retained wholly. Sometimes, wealth can become a form of taboo that brings unrest to one's life.

Charity cleanses wealth because this concept originates from spiritual and social values in many religious traditions, including Islam. In Islamic teachings, charity is believed to cleanse the soul from greed and avarice. Additionally, this act teaches empathy, enhances sincerity, and helps create balance in society.

2. Soothing the Heart

Wealth is not a permanent entity and cannot be accountable for life in the hereafter. The merit of charity not only comes from cleansing wealth but also from soothing a heart troubled by worldly matters.

By donating some of the wealth we possess, we directly train ourselves to release the cries, fears, and greed of the worldly shackles within us. This strengthens our relationship with Him and increases awareness of social responsibility and obligations toward fellow humans.

As a university that not only supports the provision of knowledge and science, Dian Nusantara University also encourages the formation of spiritual individuals to the surrounding community through various contributions emphasizing social values.

In addition to providing knowledge and equipping the surrounding community, to strengthen the ties of brotherhood, UNDIRA will also hold the "UNDIRA Sharing Blessings" event, which will be held at the Cibubur campus and also at the Tanjung Duren campus on March 11 and 18, 2025. UNDIRA Sharing Blessings is a tangible realization of UNDIRA's social concern. 

Charity during the month of Ramadan has the virtue of perfecting the act of fasting. By giving charity, not only can one increase their rewards, but they can also cleanse their wealth. Eventually, charity will serve as an inspiring example for all people to do good while teaching us the true manifestation of human values and compassion.