Sheikh Nazim Helping Hands Charity

Charity in Islam

Charity is an Integral part of the Islamic faith and Muslims are encouraged throughout their lives to help others, some details are presented below about how Muslims are encouraged to help others through charitable actions.

Importantly, one does not even have to be rich to be charitable. On many occasions the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) reminded people that, "a good word is charity,", "a smile is charity," and "picking up rubbish or removing obstacles from the path is charity". Young and old, rich and poor, the butcher, the baker or the engineer are all encouraged to join in the practice of giving charity

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Every Muslim has to give in charity." The people then asked: "(But what) if someone has nothing to give, what should he do?" The Prophet replied: "He should work with his hands and benefit himself and also give in charity (from what he earns)." The people further asked: "If he cannot find even that?" He replied: "He should help the needy who appeal for help." Then the people asked: "If he cannot do (even) that?" The Prophet said finally: "Then he should perform good deeds and keep away from evil deeds, and that will be regarded as charitable deeds."

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Charity is prescribed for each descendant of Adam every day the sun rises." He was then asked: "From what do we give charity every day?" The Prophet answered: "The doors of goodness are many...enjoining good, forbidding evil, removing harm from the road, listening to the deaf, leading the blind, guiding one to the object of his need, hurrying with the strength of one's legs to one in sorrow who is asking for help, and supporting the feeble with the strength of one's arms--all of these are charity prescribed for you." He also said: "Your smile for your brother is charity."

Holy Quran

"Spend (in charity) out of the sustenance that We have bestowed on you before that time when death will come to someone, and he shall say: "O my Lord! If only you would grant me reprieve for a little while, then I would give in charity, and be among the righteous." - The Holy Quran, 63:10

"They ask you (O Muhammad) what they should spend in charity. Say: 'Whatever you spend with a good heart, give it to parents, relatives, orphans, the helpless, and travellers in need. Whatever good you do, God is aware of it.'" - The Holy Quran,  2:215

Our Patron

The patron of our charity is Sheikh Muhammad Adil al Haqqani or Sheikh Mehmet as he is sometimes known, he is the eldest son and the successor of Sheikh Nazim,  appointed as the 41st Sheikh in the golden chain of the Naqshbandi Sufi Path.  Sheikh Mehmet spent his childhood in the old city of Damascus, Syria, and there started his mystical training and study of the Islamic sciences at a young age with Sheikh Abdullah Faiz Dagestan and with his father Sheikh Nazim.  He is known for his intense humility, and only began speaking publicly at the Lefke,  Dergah when his father fell gravely ill.  He is so humble, that he often apologises for using the word ‘I’ during his Sohbah, as that is a measure of a man’s ego. Sheikh Mehmet is immensely calm and is a down-to-earth person, who spends time reminding people of their purpose in life and also works hard on the farms,  planting in the fields and tending to livestock.

Sayings of Sheikh Mehmet

“Mawlana liked to feed people and he taught his family and murids to offer hospitality and to feed the poor. This is the example to give your children. Give, and protect yourself with sadaqa every day.”

“The religion of Islam teaches good things. Respect for parents, for others, and specially the Prophets, because Allah has protected them from sin. All religions teach goodness but people corrupt them according to their opinion. Islam, the real religion, accepts all Prophets. Respecting, praising, loving, appreciating all the Prophets, is the order of Islam.”

“Be thankful for what Allah gives you and, however small, it will be enough for you. Be thankful and, God willing, it will increase. Do not waste or all the blessings will be taken away.”