Islam
Charity is like a seed that grows seven ears, each with a hundred grains. Zakat is a pillar of faith; sadaqah can be as small as a smile.
Qur'an 2:261; Tirmidhi 1956
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Generosity
Generosity
Sharing what we have, with a cheerful heart. Every faith has its own way of giving that children can join in.
activity
Make a family giving box. Each person adds a little each week, then choose together who to give it to.
talk
What could you give that is not money?
teachings
Christianity
God loves a cheerful giver. Jesus praised the poor widow who gave two small coins, all she had.
2 Corinthians 9:7; Mark 12:41–44
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Judaism
Tzedakah means justice as well as charity. The highest of Maimonides' eight levels of giving is helping someone stand on their own feet.
Mishneh Torah, Gifts to the Poor 10:7
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Hinduism
Give with faith, give generously, give with humility and with kindness (daan).
Taittiriya Upanishad 1.11.3
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Buddhism
Generosity (dana) is the first of the perfections, the first step on the path.
Paramitas; Jataka tales
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Sikhism
Vand Chhakna: share what you earn. Many Sikhs give a tenth of their income (dasvandh), and the langar feeds everyone free.
Teachings of Guru Nanak
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sermons
Sikhism · en
Generosity
Dasvandh and langar
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Teachings of Guru Nanak and Guru Amar Das
outline
- Sharing a tenth of what we earn
- A free kitchen open to all
- Honest work and sharing go together
Buddhism · en
Generosity
Dana: the first step
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Paramitas; Vessantara Jataka
outline
- Why generosity comes first
- Giving that loosens attachment
- Small daily gifts
Christianity · en
Generosity
The widow's two coins
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Mark 12:41–44; 2 Corinthians 9:7
outline
- What counts is the heart, not the amount
- God loves a cheerful giver
- Giving time and talents as well as money
Islam · en
Generosity
Charity that grows
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Qur'an 2:261; 2:264
outline
- The seed that grows seven ears
- Charity without reminders or hurt
- Zakat, sadaqah and community needs
Judaism · en
Generosity
The ladder of tzedakah
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Mishneh Torah, Gifts to the Poor 10:7–14
outline
- Eight levels of giving
- Giving without shaming the receiver
- The highest level: helping someone become independent