‘Who is he that will loan to Allah a beautiful loan which Allah will double unto his credit and multiply it many times?’ [2:245].

It is very important to start with the above verse that teaches us the importance of generously giving to the poor and needy. It helps us to establish a better understanding of the psychological views that underlie charitable giving intention, which also plays an important role in the elicitation and stimulation of charitable giving behavior.

Islam, like other religions, enjoins its followers to ‘give’ for individual and societal well-being. The three main institutionalized instruments of Islamic philanthropy and redistribution of wealth are Sadaqa (charity), Zakat (poor tax) and Waqf (trust).

Giving Zakat, Sadaqah, or/and participating in Waqf is viewed as “compulsory and important charity”. It is the responsibility of those who have received their wealth from God to respond to those members of the community in need. The whole concept of wealth is considered in Islam as a gift from God. God, who provided it to the person, made a portion of it for the poor, so the poor have a right over one’s wealth.

The notion of giving, especially giving and helping those in need, is so entrenched in Islam. According to By Relkhatib, the Almighty promises us that if we train ourselves to give in times of ease and hardship, our sustenance will increase. Giving awakens our souls and triggers genuine concern for the well-being of others.

Research indicates that helping others lessens anxiety and increases positive feelings and feelings of satisfaction. But is this enough to explain the phenomenon of generosity?.

The love of good deeds is the way to happiness and the culture of giving stems from inside. People who are keen to do volunteer work are always been pushed by their values and ethics that are embodied through behaviors. And the volunteer work varies in size, shape, trends, and motives from one society to another.

In terms of size, it is less in periods of stability and calm, and increases in times of disasters and wars. Then in terms of form, it may be an effort or a donation of money. In terms of direction, it may be automatic, or directed by the State in social, educational, or developmental activities; and in terms of its motives, it may be psychological, social, or political. As a result, it generates self-satisfaction, God’s blessing, people’s happiness, and societal wellbeing.

The idea of “giving culture” with its principles, dimensions, and values is considered the basis for comprehensive development in Islam. Therefore, there are several ways to promote giving behavior and donation among Muslims.

GivingFridays has been developed as an online donations-scheduling platform to make it easy for the Muslims of Singapore to provide financial aid to the Malay Muslim Organizations with the intention to support them in their noble causes.