Every 5th September, the UN celebrates the International Day of Charity where they encourage all people to contribute to making the world a more caring, charitable place.

As Muslims, we believe that charity is more than just donating money. In Islam, every single good deed is a charity.

“To act justly between two people is a charity; to help a man with his mount, lifting him onto it or hoisting up his belongings onto it, is a charity; a good word is a charity; and removing a harmful thing from the road is a charity.” (Al-Bukhari, Muslim)

Last year, your donations supported over 3 million people across the world. This year, you have already helped over 800,000 people. Let’s build on this success. Here are five ways to reap the blessings of Allah this International Day of Charity:

Challenge yourself

Do you have an adventurous spirit? Could you cycle for England? Or perhaps you just want to get off the couch and into shape, while helping vulnerable people. Then pledge to join one of our many varied challenges – from cycling between cities, to hiking up a mountain, to running an entire marathon. If you’re after something a little tamer, why not attend one of our many fundraising events throughout the year?

Volunteer your time

There are endless ways to practice selflessness by giving your time. Help your parents by running their errands, volunteer at one of our fundraising events and be part of a vibrant, friendly and giving team. If a neighbour is in trouble or a friend is sick, dedicate part of your day to helping them.

Donate what you can

Support Human Appeal’s life-saving work. By fighting the causes of poverty, we’re striving to create a world in which we’re no longer needed. When you donate, you can give a person access to water for many years to come, or provide them with the training and tools to lift themselves out of poverty, or give their children the gift of education. There is a reason that charity is so blessed in Islam; it transforms lives.

Arrange a fundraiser

Fancy arranging afternoon tea with your mates? Or a sponsored walk with your children? How about pledging your birthday to raise donations for charity? Whatever your skill, put it to good use by arranging a charity fundraiser.

Use your passion to raise awareness

Sadly, there are far too many injustices in the world today. Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya people are still living as refugees, and facing persecution; Yemen is facing the worst famine in a century – in a world that has food in excess – and families in northern Syria still face brutal violence every day.

Whatever your passion, today is the day to speak up against injustice.

“Whosoever of you sees an evil, let him change it with his hand; and if he is not able to do so, then [let him change it] with his tongue; and if he is not able to do so, then with his heart — and that is the weakest of faith.” (Muslim)

On this International Day of Charity, let us use our skills, wealth, voice and time to fight poverty and injustice, and reap the reward of these blessed acts of charity.