The Rulings, Conditions, and Proper Ways of Giving Infaq in Islam

The Rulings of Infaq in Islam

Infaq is the act of giving wealth for good causes, either for oneself, family, or society. The rulings of infaq can be categorized into several types, depending on its obligation.

1. Types of Infaq:

Obligatory Infaq: Infaq that is obligatory to perform, such as:

Paying zakat

Paying the dowry for marriage

Providing maintenance for one's wife

Providing maintenance for a divorced wife who is still in the iddah period

Voluntary Infaq: Infaq that is encouraged but not obligatory, such as:

Infaq for the struggle in the way of Allah

Infaq for public interests

Infaq to help those affected by calamities

Permissible Infaq: Infaq that is allowed but not obligatory, such as:

Giving gifts

Giving a donation (hibah)

Haram Infaq: Infaq that is forbidden in Islam, such as:

Infaq given by non-Muslims to hinder the propagation of Islam

Infaq given for purposes other than the sake of Allah

2. The Pillars of Infaq:

For infaq to be valid, there are several pillars that must be fulfilled:

The Giver of Infaq (Munfiq): The person who gives the infaq.

The Recipient of Infaq (Munfaq Laḥu): The person who receives the infaq.

The Wealth Given (Barang yang Diinfakkan): The goods or wealth being given.

The Transfer (Ijab Qabul): The proper act of giving and receiving.

3. Conditions for Infaq:

a. Conditions for the Giver of Infaq (Munfiq):

The person should possess excess wealth.

The infaq should be done sincerely for the sake of Allah.

The giver should not boast or remind the recipient of the infaq.

The giver should not cause harm or discomfort to the recipient.

b. Conditions for the Wealth Given (Barang yang Diinfakkan):

The wealth must be permissible to be used (halal).

The wealth should be selected and chosen properly.

The wealth should be of the type that can be sold or transferred.

The wealth must belong to the giver legally.

The recipient must be a legitimate recipient of the infaq.

There should be no expectation of a return or compensation.

The Proper Way to Perform Infaq:

Infaq should follow the guidelines prescribed by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), both for the giver and the receiver. Since infaq is a praiseworthy act with numerous virtues, the most beneficial form of infaq is charitable acts that provide continuous benefits, such as donating land or buildings for public use, including schools, mosques, hospitals, and roads, or any other endeavors in the way of Allah.

4. Categories of Recipients of Infaq:

The preferred order for giving infaq, as outlined in the Qur'an (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:215), is as follows: a. Parents

b. Close relatives/family

c. Orphans

d. The poor and needy

e. Travelers (musaafir)

5. Groups Who Do Not Have the Right to Receive Infaq:

The following groups are not eligible to receive infaq: a. The wealthy

b. Those who are capable of working

c. The construction of luxurious public facilities

d. Active criminals (those who have not repented)