Hello everyone,

Today, I’d like to talk about a thoughtful question that someone asked:

“If I rarely give charity to outsiders but I always try to make my mother happy, is that considered a form of charity too?”

This is a meaningful and heartfelt question. Let’s reflect on it together.

First, in Islam and in many cultures around the world, charity or sedekah is not limited to just giving money or material things to those in need. Charity can also be shown through good deeds, kind words, a smile, or even removing harm from someone’s path.

Now, when it comes to our parents especially our mother pleasing them, caring for them, and making them happy is not just a form of goodness. It is a high form of ibadah, or worship. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasised the importance of honouring and serving our parents, and he said that paradise lies at the feet of the mother.

So yes, making your mother happy can absolutely be considered a form of charity. It’s a special kind of sedekah one that comes from love, responsibility, and sincerity. Even if you’re not giving to outsiders often, your effort to bring joy to your mother’s heart holds great value in the eyes of Allah.

That being said, it’s also encouraged to balance both care for your family and try to help others in small ways when possible. Charity doesn’t always require money. It can be a smile, a kind word, or simply being there for someone in need.

In summary
Yes, trying to make your mother happy is a beautiful act of charity. Never feel that it’s less valuable than helping strangers. Allah sees all acts of kindness, especially those done sincerely for the people closest to us.