Giving and righteous conduct, kindness to relatives, blameless deeds: this is the highest blessing.
A shared theme
Generosity & Charity
Giving is obligatory in Islam (zakat), Sikhism (dasvandh and the langar kitchen), Judaism (tzedakah) and foundational in Buddhism (dana) and Hinduism (dana). The traditions agree that what is given quietly, without display, is worth most — and that the giver gains more than the receiver.
Buddhism
5 versesChristianity
6 versesHe that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.
Confucianism
4 verses… Yu Zo answered, "If the people have plenty, their prince will not be left to want alone. If the people are in want, their prince cannot enjoy plenty alone."
Hinduism
3 versesLet the rich satisfy the poor implorer, and bend his eye upon a longer pathway. Riches come now to one, now to another, and like the wheels of cars are ever rolling.
Islam
9 versesKind words and the covering of faults are better than charity followed by injury. Allah is free of all wants, and He is Most-Forbearing.
Jainism
2 versesBy doing service he acquires the Karman which brings about for him the nâman and gôtra of a Tîrthakara.
Judaism
6 versesHe that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; For he giveth of his bread to the poor.
Sikhism
4 versesIn the midst of this world, do seva, and you shall be given a place of honor in the Court of the Lord. Says Nanak, swing your arms in joy!
Sufism
1 verseGive now of thy gold and bounty, for eventually will it pass from thy grasp. Open the door of thy treasure to-day, for to-morrow the key will not be in thy hands. If thou would not be distressed on the Day of Judgment, forget not them that are distressed. Drive not the poor man empty from thy door, lest thou should wander before the doors of strangers. …
Taoism
0 versesNo passage in the collection yet.
Where the traditions differ
In Judaism tzedakah is justice, not charity: the poor have a right to it. Islam fixes zakat as a calculable duty and adds voluntary sadaqah. Christianity stresses secrecy in giving and the widow's mite. Buddhist and Hindu dana accrue merit and purify the giver's attachment. Sikh langar makes giving communal and radically egalitarian — all eat together on the floor. Jain aparigraha (non-possessiveness) goes further than charity: limiting what one owns at all.