The Virtue of Giving Charity in Secret and Its Good Effects

Imam Ali (AS) said, ‘Among the best means by which those who seek nearness to Allah may have recourse to His nearness, Blessed and most High, are: faith in Him and in His messenger …, giving charity secretly for verily it atones for ones misdeeds, and giving charity openly for verily it protects against an undignified death.

Imam al-Baqir (AS) said, describing his father Imam Zayn al-Abidin (AS), ‘He used to go out in the dark night carrying a sack on his back and going from door to door, knocking on each and giving to whoever came out to answer it. He used to cover his face when giving to the poor in order that they may not recognise him.

Imam al-Sadiq (AS) said, ‘Do not give charity openly for people to see and commend you for it, for verily when you do that, you have already received your reward for it [in their commendation]. However, if you give with your right hand such that your left hand does not come to know it, then the One for whose sake you have secretly given charity will surely reward you for it openly.

Imam al-Sadiq (AS) said, ‘By Allah, charity given secretly is better than charity given openly, just as, by Allah, worship performed secretly is better than worship performed openly.

Imam al-Sadiq (AS) said, ‘Verily charity given at night [i.e. secretly in the dark of the night] extinguishes the wrath of the Lord, wipes away grave sins and facilitates ones account [on the Day of Resurrection]. Charity given during the day [in broad daylight] makes ones wealth thrive and increases ones lifespan.