There are many reasons why someone may choose to donate. Some people donate to support a cause they believe in, such as fighting poverty or supporting education. Others may donate to help those in need, such as during natural disasters or emergencies. Still others may donate to support research or to help fund the operations of a charitable organization. Additionally, some people may choose to donate as a way to give back to the community or to make a positive impact on the world. Donating to charity is a major mood-booster. The knowledge that you're helping others is hugely empowering and, in turn, can make you feel happier and more fulfilled. Research has identified a link between making a donation to charity and increased activity in the area of the brain that registers pleasure - proving that as the old adage goes, it really is far better to give than to receive.
In Islam, giving to charity, or zakat, is one of the Five Pillars of the faith and is considered a religious obligation for Muslims. The act of giving is seen as a way to purify one's wealth and to help those in need. The amount of zakat that is required to be given is typically 2.5% of a person's wealth, but can vary depending on the specific interpretation of Islamic law. Other forms of charity, such as sadaqa, are also encouraged in Islam.
The idea that doing good is essentially 'being good' reinforces to nearly all of us that we should all be using our time on earth to try to make things better. Many of us subscribe to the concept of karma that if we're good, we will receive goodness in return. Of course the ultimate gesture of 'good' is to help others. For those of us who've been helped, we understand the intrinsic value to the individual and the communities in which we belong. After all, no man is an island. So to give money to charity seems like an easy and obvious choice if we want to 'be good'. Of course giving doesn't stop at money. Plenty of people regularly give clothes to charity, volunteer or take part in things to get sponsorship and raising money for a good cause. But when a person decides to give furniture to charity or unwanted clothes, there is a dual benefit that they want to 'get rid', as well as helping a charity out. Giving money to charity is arguably more of a sacrifice. After all, it's not just about having a clear-out of stuff you no longer want: Money is always going to come in handy.