Charity of One-tenth Income

Zakat and Dasamansh

Charity shows compassionate and kind disposition. Compassion dwells in the mind of a donor and he is always open-minded. The leaders of all religions have accordingly laid emphasis on charity.

According to Muslims, everyone should give a fortieth share of his income in charity.

The Sikhs are directed to spend one-tenth of their income in charity. This rule relating to the spending of one-tenth income is very ancient in India.

The ancient records recovered in the East from Egypt to Afghanistan show that in the days of Prophet Ibrahim, all nations used to spend one-tenth of their income on charities.

Grotus says that to give one-tenth of the income in charities was a very old tradition. History shows that Arabs and Afghans, Carthaginians, Egyptians, Greeks and Turks were all acquainted with this rule.

It appears from the writings of Clement, Trevelyan, Cyprean, Jerome and other Christian writers¹ that all ancient people were familiar with it.

In the beginning the Jews and the Christians also used to pay one-tenth. The saying was 'Pay one-tenth and become rich'. Historical writings show that traders used to offer one-tenth of their income to the priests who used to present the same before the Lord.

Saxons used to offer one-tenth of the booty from the captives to the sea-god Neptune as a religious duty.

Similary, Xenophon, when he returned from his Asian conquest, offered one-tenth of the booty to Apollo.

Prophet Ibrahim said that the universe belonged to the Lord and proclaimed,

"Glory to God the Lord of the Earth and Heavens."

He offered one-tenth of his income to Him.

Prophet Jacob also acknowledged God as Lord of all and said,

"Whatever You give me, I would offer one-tenth of the same to You."

Jesus said to one of His disciples,

"Sell what you have and distribute it among the poor so that you may get treasure of the Kingdom of Heaven."

He again said,

"Give food in the name of the Lord so that your godowns may be full of cereals and you may lack nothing."

Kabir Sahib says that charity does not lead to scarcity.

Wealth is not decreased by giving charity Like the water in the river. See it with your eyes open, Kabir has said so.

Kabir Sahib

He again said that as long as there is this body (deh) go on giving (deh). When this body would not remain, nobody would say 'please give' (deh).

This is the advantage of coming in this body (deh) that you should give (deh). Oh Kabir, give (deh) as long as you have this body (deh). Go on giving something as long as you have the body. When this body is reduced to dust, no one will ask you to give. Go on giving something as long as you have the body. Do good to others, this is the fruit of this life.

Kabir Sahib

Guru Nanak says that we can know truth only if we follow the true teachings. We should show compassion to creatures and share the income earned by meritorious deeds with the poor and the needy.

One knows the Truth only when the Truth is in his heart.

The filth of falsehood departs, and the body is washed clean. One knows the Truth only when he bears love to the True Lord. Hearing the Name, the mind is enraptured; then, he attains the gate of salvation.

One knows the Truth only when he knows the true way of life. Preparing the field of the body, he plants the Seed of the Creator.

One knows the Truth only when he receives true instruction. Showing mercy to other beings, he makes donations to charities.

One knows the Truth only when he dwells in the sacred shrine of pilgrimage of his own soul. He sits and receives instruction from the True Guru, and lives in accordance with His Will.

Truth is the medicine for all; it removes and washes away our sins. Nanak speaks this prayer to those who have Truth in their laps.

Asa War M1, 468-8 – 468-13

If the seed is whole, and it is the proper season, then the seed will sprout. O Nanak, without treatment, the raw fabric cannot be dyed.

Asa War M1, 468-18

Seekers after spirituality always do charity.

First comes charity by distributing food. The sick and the helpless are treated and are looked after. Widows, orphans and sufferers are assisted in all possible manners. They are assisted by charity and assured of help. They are encouraged by sweet words.

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Footnote:

1) Clement of Alexandria (ca. 150 – ca. 215), early Christian philosopher and author. According to current knowledge, he spent a large part of his life in Alexandria, where he also taught.

Sir Charles Edward Trevelyan (1807 – 1886), British civil servant and colonial administrator. During his career he worked intermittently in Calcutta and Madras. Among other things, he wrote a book in which he dealt with Christianity and Hinduism.

Cyprian (Thaschus Caecilius Cyprianus;, ca. 200/210 – 258), Bishop of Carthage, is considered an important church writer.

Jerome (Eusebius Sophronius Hieronymus, ca. 348/349 – 420). According to today's knowledge, the Latin Bible translation Vulgate, which was very widespread in the Middle Ages, was to a large extent written by him.