Ibadah / Acts of Worship

Can You Donate to Charity with Crypto?

Yes. Crypto is short for cryptocurrency, which is a type of digital money that is created and managed by computer algorithms. Crypto is not controlled by any central authority, such as a government or a bank, but rather by a network of users who verify and record transactions on a public ledger called a blockchain. Crypto is designed to be secure, transparent, and decentralized, meaning that no one can manipulate or censor it.

You may be wondering why you should consider donating to charity with crypto instead of using conventional money. Well, there are several benefits of using crypto for charitable purposes, such as:

Crypto can reduce the cost and time of transferring money across borders, especially to countries that have limited access to banking services or face economic sanctions. This means that more of your donation can reach the people who need it most, without being diluted by fees or delays.
Crypto can enhance the accountability and transparency of charitable organizations, as donors can track how their donations are used and verify the impact they have on the ground. This can also prevent fraud and corruption, as crypto transactions are immutable and verifiable on the blockchain.
Crypto can empower the recipients of your donations, as they can have more control over their own finances and access to a global market. Crypto can also help them preserve their wealth and protect it from inflation or currency devaluation.
Crypto can align with the principles of Islamic finance, as it is based on a profit-and-loss sharing system rather than interest-based lending. Crypto also avoids the involvement of intermediaries or middlemen who may charge unjust fees or exploit the poor. Crypto can also be used for zakat, which is the obligatory charity that every Muslim must pay annually.

However, before you decide to donate to charity with crypto, you should also be aware of some challenges and risks that may arise, such as:

Crypto is volatile and unpredictable, meaning that its value can fluctuate significantly in a short period of time. This can affect both the donor and the recipient, as they may lose or gain money due to market movements. Therefore, you should only donate what you can afford to lose and be prepared for price changes.
Crypto is not widely accepted or regulated in many countries, meaning that there may be legal or practical barriers to using it for charitable purposes. Some countries may ban or restrict the use of crypto, while others may impose taxes or reporting requirements on it.
Crypto is not immune to cyberattacks or human errors, meaning that your funds may be stolen or lost if you do not take proper security measures. You should always keep your private keys (which are like passwords) safe and secure, and use reputable platforms and wallets to store and transfer your crypto. You should also backup your data and use encryption and antivirus software to protect your devices.

How to donate to charity with crypto

If you are ready to donate to charity with crypto, here are some steps you can follow:

Choose a charity that accepts crypto donations. At Islamic Charity, we accept crypto and you can donate with crypto.
Choose a crypto that you want to donate. You can use any crypto that the charity accepts, but some of the most popular ones are Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), and Dogecoin (DOGE). You can also use stablecoins, which are crypto that are pegged to a fiat currency like the US dollar, such as Tether (USDT) or USD Coin (USDC).
Choose a platform or wallet that you want to use to make the donation. You can use an exchange like Coinbase or Binance that allow you to buy and sell crypto with fiat money, or a wallet like Metamask or Trust Wallet that allow you to store and send crypto directly from your device.
Make the donation by following the instructions provided by the charity or the platform. You will need to enter the amount and the address of the charity’s crypto wallet, which is like an account number. You will also need to pay a small fee called gas or network fee, which is used to process your transaction on the blockchain.
Confirm the donation by checking the transaction ID or hash on a blockchain explorer like Etherscan or Blockchain.com.

Donating to charity with crypto is a great way to support worthy causes and help those in need around the world. Crypto can offer many advantages over conventional money, such as lower costs, higher transparency, and greater empowerment. Crypto can also be compatible with Islamic finance, as it avoids interest, intermediaries, and harm. However, you should also be careful of the challenges and risks that crypto may pose, such as volatility, regulation, and security. Therefore, you should do your research and take precautions before making a donation. May Allah reward you for your generosity and kindness. Ameen.

Cryptocurrency Ibadah / Acts of Worship What We Do

Greatness of Islam

The Greatness of Islam: A Faith that Inspires Millions

Islam is a way of life that guides its followers to achieve peace, harmony, and success in this world and the next. Islam is also a faith that inspires millions of people around the world with its teachings, values, and history. In this article, we will explore some of the aspects of Islam that demonstrate its greatness and significance in human history and civilization. Islam has more than 1.8 billion followers worldwide, making it the second-largest religion after Christianity. Islam is also one of the three Abrahamic religions, along with Judaism and Christianity, that share a common origin and belief in the prophets of God.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Islam is its holy book, the Quran. The Quran is the literal word of God revealed to the prophet Muhammad through the angel Gabriel over a period of 23 years. The Quran contains 114 chapters that cover various topics such as theology, ethics, law, history, science, and spirituality. The Quran is considered the primary source of guidance and authority for Muslims, and is recited, memorized, and studied by millions of Muslims around the world. The Quran is also regarded as a linguistic masterpiece and a literary miracle, as it is written in eloquent and poetic Arabic that challenges human imitation.

Another aspect of Islam that shows its greatness is its basic acts of worship, known as the Five Pillars. The Five Pillars are the foundation of Islamic practice that every Muslim must perform as a demonstration of their faith and submission to God. They are:

Shahadah: The declaration of faith that states “There is no god but God and Muhammad is his messenger.”
Salat: The five daily prayers that are performed at specific times throughout the day while facing the direction of Mecca.
Zakat: The obligatory charity that requires Muslims to give a certain percentage of their wealth to the poor and needy.
Sawm: The fasting during the month of Ramadan, which is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Muslims abstain from food, drink, and sexual activity from dawn to sunset during this month.
Hajj: The pilgrimage to Mecca, which is the holiest city in Islam. Muslims who are physically and financially able must perform this journey at least once in their lifetime.

These pillars are meant to purify the soul, strengthen the bond with God, foster social solidarity, and promote moral values.

A third aspect of Islam that reflects its greatness is its intellectual and cultural legacy. Islam has been a source of inspiration and innovation for many scholars, scientists, artists, and thinkers throughout history. During the Islamic Golden Age, which spanned from the 8th to the 13th centuries CE, Muslim scholars made remarkable contributions to various fields of knowledge such as mathematics, astronomy, medicine, chemistry, philosophy, literature, art, and architecture. They preserved and transmitted the ancient wisdom of Greece, India, Persia, and China, and developed new concepts and innovations that influenced the development of science and civilization in Europe and beyond.

A fourth aspect of Islam that illustrates its greatness is its diversity and unity. Islam is a universal religion that embraces people from different races, ethnicities, cultures, languages, and backgrounds. Muslims are found in every continent and region of the world, forming a diverse and vibrant community that reflects the richness and beauty of God’s creation. At the same time, Muslims are united by their common belief in one God and his final messenger Muhammad , as well as their adherence to the Quran and the Sunnah (the teachings and practices of Muhammad). Muslims also share common rituals such as prayer , fasting , charity , and pilgrimage that foster a sense of brotherhood and solidarity among them.

These are some examples of the greatness of Islam that we have explored in this article. Of course , there are many more aspects and dimensions of Islam that we have not mentioned here. If you want to learn more about Islam or explore its teachings and values in depth , you can visit some websites or read some books that provide more information about this fascinating faith . You can also watch some videos that explain or illustrate some aspects of Islam.

Ibadah / Acts of Worship Religion

Donating to Holy Shrines

As Muslims, we believe that death is not the end of life, but a transition to another realm. We believe that our loved ones are still alive in the hereafter, and that we will meet them again, if Allah (God) wills. We also believe that we can do something to honor them and to seek Allah’s (God’s) mercy and forgiveness for them.

One of the ways we can do that is by donating to holy shrines. A holy shrine is a place that is considered sacred or holy by a religious community. It may contain the relics, tombs, or memorials of prophets, saints, martyrs, or other revered figures. It may also be associated with a miracle, a vision, or a historical event that has religious significance.

There are many holy shrines in different parts of the world that are connected to Islam and its history. Some of these shrines are related to the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who is the final messenger of Allah (God) and the founder of Islam. Some are related to his family members, companions, successors, or descendants, who are known as the Ahl al-Bayt (the people of the house) or the Imams (the leaders). Some are related to other prophets or saints who came before Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and preached the message of monotheism and righteousness.

We visit these holy shrines to pay our respects, to seek guidance, to ask for intercession, to express our devotion, and to experience the spiritual atmosphere. We also donate money, food, clothing, medicine, and other items to these shrines as a way of showing our gratitude, generosity, charity, and piety.

Why do we donate to holy shrines? There are many reasons why we may choose to do so. Some of them are:

To honor a deceased loved one: We may make a donation or vow to a holy shrine as a way to honor a deceased loved one or to seek blessings for their soul. We may view such acts as a way to express our love and gratitude for those who have passed away or to seek Allah’s (God’s) mercy and forgiveness for them. We may also hope that our donation will benefit the cause of Islam and the welfare of the Muslim community.
To seek blessings for ourselves or others: We may make a donation or vow to a holy shrine as a way to seek blessings for ourselves or our living family members and friends. We may view such acts as a way to ask Allah (God) for protection, health, happiness, success, guidance, or any other good thing we desire. We may also hope that our donation will bring us closer to Allah (God) and His beloved servants.
To fulfill a vow or an oath: We may make a donation or vow to a holy shrine as a way of fulfilling a vow or an oath we have made in the past. We may have made such vows or oaths in times of difficulty, distress, or need, promising Allah (God) that we would donate something if He granted us our wish or relieved us from our hardship. We may view such acts as a way of keeping our word and showing our sincerity and faithfulness.

Each shrine has its own history, significance, and beauty that attracts and inspires us from all walks of life. By donating to these holy shrines, we express our faith, love, gratitude, generosity, and solidarity with our fellow believers. We also hope to receive Allah’s (God’s) favor, mercy, forgiveness, and reward in this life and the hereafter.

I hope you enjoyed reading this article as much as I enjoyed writing it for you. I hope you learned something new and useful from it. I hope you will share it with your friends and family who may benefit from it. And I hope you will continue to honor your loved ones by donating to holy shrines. May Allah (God) bless you and your loved ones always. Ameen.

Imams of Athar Religion

First 10 Days of Dhu Al-Hijjah

The first 10 days of Dhu Al-Hijjah are the most blessed and sacred days of the year for Muslims. They are the days in which Allah (swt) has bestowed His immense favor and mercy upon His servants, and has opened the doors of forgiveness and reward for those who seek Him.

The Virtue of the 10 Days

The first 10 days of Dhu Al-Hijjah are so virtuous that Allah (swt) has sworn by them in the Quran: “By the dawn. And [by] ten nights.” (Surah Al-Fajr: 89:1-2). The majority of scholars agree that these 10 nights are the nights of the first 10 days of Dhu Al-Hijjah, as narrated by Ibn Abbas (ra), who said: “The ‘appointed days’ are the first ten days (of Dhu Al-Hijjah).” (Sahih Al-Bukhari: 969).

The Prophet Muhammad (saw) also emphasized the excellence of these days, and urged his companions to increase their good deeds in them. He said: “No good deeds done on other days are superior to those done on these (first ten days of Dhu Al-Hijjah).”

This hadith shows that the reward for doing good deeds in these 10 days is greater than any other time of the year. This is because these are the days in which Allah (swt) has chosen to manifest His glory and majesty, and to accept the prayers and supplications of His servants. These are also the days in which the Hajj (pilgrimage) takes place, which is one of the pillars of Islam and one of the greatest acts of worship.

The Recommended Deeds

There are many deeds that we can do in these 10 days to attain Allah’s pleasure and forgiveness. Some of them are:

Fasting: Fasting is one of the most beloved acts of worship to Allah (swt), as He says: “Every deed of the son of Adam is for him except fasting; it is for Me and I shall reward for it.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari: 1904). Fasting in these 10 days is especially recommended, as it is a way of expressing our gratitude and devotion to Allah (swt). The Prophet Muhammad (saw) used to fast on the first nine days of Dhu Al-Hijjah, as narrated by one of his wives: “Allah’s Messenger used to fast the [first] nine days of Dhul-Hijjah, the day of ‘Ashurah, and three days of each month.” (Sunan Abi Dawud: 2437). The most important day to fast is the ninth day, which is known as the Day of Arafah. This is the day when the pilgrims stand on the plain of Arafah, seeking Allah’s forgiveness and mercy. Fasting on this day expiates the sins of two years, as the Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: “Fasting on the Day of Arafah expiates for two years; one year before it and one year after it.” (Sahih Muslim: 1162).
Takbir, Tahmid, Tasbih, and Tahlil: These are the words that glorify Allah (swt) and praise Him. They are: Takbir (saying Allahu Akbar), Tahmid (saying Alhamdulillah), Tasbih (saying Subhanallah), and Tahlil (saying La ilaha illallah). These words have a great impact on our hearts and souls, as they remind us of Allah’s greatness, power, mercy, and oneness. We should recite them abundantly in these 10 days, especially after the obligatory prayers, in the mornings and evenings, and on every occasion. There is a specific form of Takbir that is prescribed for these days, which is known as Takbirat al-Tashreeq.
Salah: Salah (prayer) is the pillar of Islam and the connection between us and Allah (swt). It is the best way to communicate with our Lord and to seek His guidance and help. We should perform the obligatory prayers on time and with concentration, and also increase our voluntary prayers, especially the night prayer (Tahajjud). The Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: “The best prayer after the obligatory prayers is the night prayer.” (Sahih Muslim: 1163). The night prayer is more likely to be accepted by Allah (swt), as He descends to the lowest heaven in the last third of the night, and says: “Who is calling upon Me, that I may answer him? Who is asking of Me, that I may give him? Who is seeking My forgiveness, that I may forgive him?” (Sahih Al-Bukhari: 1145).
Sadaqah: Sadaqah (charity) is one of the most noble and rewarding deeds that we can do in these 10 days. It is a way of expressing our gratitude to Allah (swt) for His bounties and blessings, and a way of helping those who are in need. Allah (swt) says: “The example of those who spend 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.” (Surah Al-Baqarah: 2:261). We should give generously from our wealth, according to our ability, and not be stingy or greedy. We should also give with sincerity, without expecting anything in return, except from Allah (swt). The Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: “Sadaqah does not decrease wealth.” (Sahih Muslim: 2588). Click to pay crypto for Sadaqah.
Udhiyah: Udhiyah (sacrifice) is one of the rites of Hajj and one of the symbols of Islam. It is the act of slaughtering an animal (such as a sheep, goat, cow, or camel) on the tenth day of Dhu Al-Hijjah or the following three days, in order to commemorate the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (as), who was willing to sacrifice his son Ismail (as) for the sake of Allah (swt). Allah (swt) says: “So pray to your Lord and sacrifice [to Him alone].” (Surah Al-Kawthar: 108:2). The Udhiyah is a means of attaining Allah’s forgiveness and mercy, as well as feeding the poor and needy. The Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: “Whoever offers a sacrifice after the prayer has completed his rituals [of Eid] and has followed the way of the Muslims.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari: 5545). Click to donate crypto for the Udhiyah.

These are some of the advantages and benefits of the first 10 days of Dhu Al-Hijjah. They are days of great virtue, reward, forgiveness, and mercy. They are days that we should not waste or neglect, but rather seize and utilize. They are days that we should fill with good deeds and righteous actions, in order to please Allah (swt) and attain His pleasure. They are days that we should make dua for ourselves, our families, our ummah, and all humanity. They are days that we should prepare for the Hereafter and seek Allah’s protection from the Hellfire.

We ask Allah (swt) to enable us to make the best use of these 10 days, and to accept our deeds and supplications. We ask Him to grant us His mercy and forgiveness, and to admit us into His Paradise. Ameen.

Ibadah / Acts of Worship Religion Sadaqah

Relief Qurbani

The Quran is a rich source of stories and teachings that have been passed down for generations. Among the most significant of these stories is that of Prophet Ibrahim’s sacrifice, which is commemorated every year during the Festival of Sacrifice, also known as Eid al-Adha.

Prophet Ibrahim was a devout follower of Allah, and one day, he had a dream in which he was commanded by Allah to sacrifice his son Ismail. Despite the immense love he had for his son, Prophet Ibrahim knew that this was a test of his faith and he was willing to do whatever Allah commanded.

As he prepared to sacrifice Ismail, Allah intervened and provided a ram in his place. This act of faith and obedience is celebrated by Muslims worldwide, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of trust and obedience to Allah’s will.

One of the ways in which Muslims celebrate this event is through the ritual of Qurbani, which involves sacrificing an animal during the Festival of Sacrifice. The meat from this sacrifice is then distributed to the poor and needy, symbolizing the significance of sharing and caring for others in the Muslim community.

However, Qurbani is not just a religious obligation. It is also a reminder of the importance of empathy and charity, and it serves as a time for Muslims to remember the less fortunate and to give back to the community in a meaningful way. By performing this act of kindness, Muslims can experience firsthand the joy and fulfillment that comes from helping others.

In recent years, Qurbani has become an increasingly important source of relief for those in need. Relief Qurbani is a way for Muslims to help those who are suffering from poverty, conflict, and natural disasters. By providing meat to those in need, relief Qurbani can help ensure that families have access to nutritious food during challenging times.

Relief Qurbani is an excellent way for Muslims to embody the spirit of compassion and generosity that is at the heart of Islam. By giving to those in need, Muslims can help to alleviate suffering and make a positive impact on the world. It is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

The story of Prophet Ibrahim’s sacrifice and the ritual of Qurbani serve as important reminders of the values of trust, obedience, and generosity that are central to Islam. As Muslims, we are called upon to emulate these values in our daily lives and to give back to our communities in meaningful ways. By performing relief Qurbani, we can help to alleviate suffering and make a positive impact on the world. Let us continue to embody the spirit of compassion and generosity that is at the heart of our faith and strive towards a better world for all.

Food and Nutrition Projects Religion Sadaqah What We Do