In Islam, there are two types of donations or vows that are made for the sake of Allah (God), which are known as infaq and nazr.
Infaq refers to the act of spending one’s wealth in the way of Allah. This can take many forms, such as giving to the poor, supporting charitable causes, or contributing to the upkeep of mosques and other religious institutions. Infaq is considered a virtuous act in Islam and is seen as a way of seeking the blessings and forgiveness of Allah.
Nazr, on the other hand, refers to a vow or promise made to Allah in which one pledges to perform a certain act or make a donation if a particular wish or desire is fulfilled. For example, a person may make a vow to fast for a certain number of days or to make a donation to a charitable cause if their loved one recovers from an illness. Nazr is also considered a virtuous act in Islam and is seen as a way of expressing gratitude to Allah for his blessings.
Both infaq and nazr are based on the Islamic belief that seeking the blessings and forgiveness of Allah is an important aspect of spiritual practice. By spending wealth in the way of Allah or making a vow or promise to him, Muslims seek to draw closer to the divine and earn his blessings and forgiveness.
Islamic tradition holds that the act of spending wealth in the way of Allah and making a vow or promise to him can bring one closer to Allah and earn them blessings and forgiveness for their sins. This practice is based on the belief that seeking the intercession of Allah can bring spiritual purification and draw one closer to the divine.
The Quranic narrations that support this practice include the following:
“And spend [in the way of Allah] from what We have provided you before death approaches one of you and he says, “My Lord, if only You would delay me for a brief term so I would give charity and be among the righteous.”” (Quran 63:10)
“And whoever volunteers good – then indeed, Allah is appreciative and Knowing.” (Quran 2:158)
Overall, infaq and nazr are deeply ingrained in Islamic tradition and are considered virtuous acts that bring one closer to Allah and earn them blessings and forgiveness.
