What does alms mean?
something (such as money or food) given freely to relieve the poor. distributing alms to the needy. archaic : charity. merriam-webster.com
Alms are money, food, or other material goods donated to people living in poverty. Providing alms is often considered an act of virtue or charity. The act of providing alms is called almsgiving, and it is a widespread practice in a number of different religions and cultures. Wikipedia
A simple definition for Almsgiving is the act of giving charity to another. Almsgiving has been around for thousands of years and is referred to as charity, philanthropy, or giving to the poor. Giving (alms) is the primary means by which many Christians and other faith traditions express faith.
What does Jesus say about charity?
Jesus taught that we should give food to the hungry, shelter to those who have none, and clothes to the poor. When we visit the sick and those who are in prison, it is as if we were doing these things for Him instead. He promises that as we do these things, we will inherit His kingdom. Matthew 25:34–46.
Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” Matthew 19:2121
What is another word for almsgiving?
donation, endowment, fund, philanthropy, goodness, hospitality, kindness, largesse, unselfishness, charity, generosity, alms, assistance, benefaction, beneficence, contribution, dole, hand, oblation, offering.
What was the prophets charity giving behaviors?
The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) gave his companions the best training about charity, as he did in disciplining them in every aspect of life, and so they became the most generous people in the world. One of those blessed people (may Allah be pleased with them all) came to the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) to ask him the best and most rewarding way of giving charity:
“O Messenger of Allah, which charity is the best? Upon this the Prophet (pbuh) said:
“That you should give charity in a state when you are healthy and close-fisted, one haunted by the fear of poverty, hoping to become rich charity in such a state of health and mind is the best. And you must not defer charity to such a length that you are about to die and then say: This is for so and so, and this is for so and so. It has already come into the possession of your so and so inheritors.” (Muslim, Zakāt, 92) Thus, he stated that charity given during the times of hardship is more valuable than the charity given during the times of comfort and free from the concerns.
Our Prophet (pbuh) advised his companions to be generous and to give without feeling worry. In addition, he said:

“Spend according to your means; Do not withhold your money by counting it (i.e. hoarding it), for if you did so, Allah would also withhold His blessings from you.” (Bukharī, Kitāb al-Zakat, 21; Muslim, Kitab al-Zakat, 88) Thus, he expressed that stingy people would only harm themselves by their own acts.
According to the terms of the treaty signed in Hudaibiyah with the polytheists of Quraish, a year had passed and it was time for umrah. In the month of Dhu al-Qa’dah from the seventh year of hijrah, Allah’s Messenger (pbuh) commanded to all those who had attended the expedition of Hudaibiyah to get ready for a minor pilgrimage. People were also informed to get ready by announcements. Arabs who came from the vicinity and who were in Medina at the time said:
“By Allah! O Messenger of Allah (pbuh)! We neither have food nor anybody who can give us food.” Allah’s Messenger (pbuh) asked the residents of Medina to give them charity and to help them. He also told them that if they did not help, they would be perished.” Upon this the Medinans said:
“O Messenger of Allah (pbuh)! What can we give as charity? We cannot find anything.”
The Prophet (pbuh): “Whatever you have, even if it is half a date…” (Waqidī, II, 732)
This shows that generosity does not mean giving much, but the real generosity is to give in the extent of one’s means and to make charity a habit.
Types of Charity
Islam has defined different categories of charity. Zakat and Sadqa are the two major types. Zakat is referred to the standardized percentage of extra wealth owned by any Muslim that is must be shared with the one in need. While on the other hand, Sadqa is something that can be given to anyone in different forms. It includes a piece of wisdom, any kind of moral or financial help or even a smile.
Is charity an act of love?
Charity is a kind of self-giving love (he distinguishes "gift-love" from "need-love") but one which comes from the purest of places. Ultimately, charity is God's love to humanity. As we become like Christ through Christian maturity, we also begin to express charity to others.
As said by Prophet Muhammad:
“Your smile for your brother is a charity. Your removal of stones, thorns or bones from the paths of people is a charity. Your guidance of a person who is lost is a charity.” (Bukhari)
At the same time, a Hadith explain is the importance of the human body in terms of performing
Charity:
“A charity is due for every joint in each person on every day the sun comes up: 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)
William Bouguereau | Les oranges, 1865 _Famous paintings about charity
Paybacks of Charity:
Allah Almighty has promised that if we give a part of ourselves in good or bad times, we will get double reward of them in the world here and afterward. Giving nourishes our souls, and wealth’s and triggers our concerns for others and their well-being. Islam also places an emphasis of feeding the needy or poor and this act is considered as the best act in Islam. By giving form whatever we are blessed with, make us realize that all what and we have, belongs to Allah and is must to be used for the well-being of others around us.
According to a saying of Prophet Muhammad: “Protect you from hell-fire even by giving a piece of date as charity.”
“Allah Almighty, says that, ‘Spend, O son of Adam, and I shall spend on you.’” – Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Giving in no way is a loss of a human being. We must learn to give and to share with others. Helping other today will never leave you helpless in your bad times. Lear to give and learn to share the blessing you are given to the one who is in need of.