The Concept of Altruism (Īthār) and Charitable Spending (Infāq) in the Holy Qur’an: An Analytical Study of Social Welfare, Economic Stability, and Its Contemporary Applications

Abstract

This study explores the concept of altruism (Īthār) and charitable spending (Infāq) in the Qur’ān and examines their role in promoting social welfare, economic justice, and sustainable development. The research analyzes Qur’ānic teachings, classical exegetical perspectives—particularly those of Muslim scholars such as al-Jaṣṣāṣ, al-Rāzī, al-Ṭabarī, and al-Ghazālī—and their relevance to contemporary socio-economic challenges. The study highlights how the Qur’ān encourages generosity, brotherhood, social responsibility, service to humanity, and financial support for vulnerable groups through mechanisms such as Zakāt, Ṣadaqāt, Waqf, and Bayt al-Māl. It further discusses the relationship between human needs, economic stability, and ethical economic behavior, emphasizing the prohibition of ribā (interest), exploitation, hoarding, and extravagance. The research argues that the Qur’ānic framework of altruism and charitable giving provides an effective solution to modern issues such as poverty, economic insecurity, social inequality, and class division. Moreover, the study examines the practical application of these principles in contemporary welfare institutions and non-governmental organizations that contribute to education, healthcare, disaster relief, and poverty alleviation. The findings suggest that the integration of Qur’ānic values of altruism and charitable spending into modern economic and social policies can strengthen social cohesion, promote equitable wealth distribution, and contribute to both material prosperity and spiritual well-being. The study concludes that the Qur’ānic model of Īthār and Infāq remains a comprehensive and sustainable framework for achieving social justice and collective welfare in contemporary societies.

Keywords: Īthār (Altruism); Infāq (Charitable Spending); Qur’ānic Economics; Social Welfare; Zakāt; Economic Justice; Poverty Alleviation; Islamic Philanthropy; Social Responsibility; Sustainable Development.