Helping Those in Need

Muslims and Latter-day Saints share the conviction that compassion through offerings and service to others is a vital component of true faith in God.

Muslims

The Qur’an teaches, “Righteous is he who … giveth his wealth, for love of God, to kinsfolk and to orphans and the needy and the wayfarer and to those who ask … and who payeth the poor due” (Qur’an 2:177). Charity—generous service to others—is taught to Muslims. Zakat is an obligatory donation of 2.5 percent of annual gross of income to people in need. Shi’as also give an additional 20 percent of wealth acquired from certain sources (khums) to support the work of their religion.

Islamic organizations assist poor and displaced populations worldwide by providing economic, medical, and educational support, often in partnership with other religious organizations.

Volunteers distributing food packages to workers during iftar meal as part of a Ramadan charity drive by local mosque. istock.com/kertu_ee

Latter-day Saints

Latter-day Saints are taught to “impart of [their] substance to the poor, every man according to that which he hath, such as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and administering to their relief, both spiritually and temporally, according to their wants” (Book of Mormon, Mosiah 4:26). Voluntary service and offerings satisfy this command. Latter-day Saints also donate 10 percent of their income (tithing) to support the work of the Church.

The fulfillment of this divine mandate is reflected in the worldwide humanitarian efforts of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to all people regardless of denomination, race, or creed.