How do I encourage charity or sharing as a “reward” that lifts the heart? 

Parenting Perspective 

Making the Act of Giving Tangible 

A child’s natural understanding of a reward is something they get to keep. To introduce sharing as a reward, it helps to make the act of giving both visible and concrete. For example, if your child earns a small reward, you could suggest they also choose a treat for a sibling or a friend. 

You can involve them in other simple acts of charity, such as selecting a toy to donate, helping to pack food for someone in need, or setting aside a portion of their allowance to give away. When they witness the genuine smiles and gratitude of others, the experience itself becomes a reward that fills their heart with pride and joy. 

Framing Charity as a Joyful Act 

It is vital that sharing never feels like a punishment or a loss. The language you use is key. Instead of instructing them to ‘give away your toy’, you can reframe it as an opportunity: ‘You have the chance to brighten someone’s day with this gift’. 

Celebrate their generosity with warm encouragement, showing them that giving is a chance to spread happiness. Parents can also model this by speaking openly about the joy they find in giving, allowing children to see how much fulfilment comes from helping others. Over time, this positive association helps them discover for themselves that giving is one of the most uplifting rewards of all. 

Spiritual Insight 

The Divine Promise of Multiplication 

Islam teaches that every act of charity is connected to an ever-increasing divine blessing, an idea that can powerfully reshape a child’s understanding of giving. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Baqarah (2), Verse 261: 

‘The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah (Almighty) is like the parable of a seed (of grain) which grows seven stems; on each stem is one hundred grains; and Allah (Almighty) multiplies (His reward to mankind seven hundred times per good deed or) even more for whom He (Allah Almighty) wills…’ 

This beautiful analogy teaches that an act of giving does not diminish what we have; rather, it expands far beyond its original size. This helps build a child’s sense of abundance rather than loss. 

Understanding Charity as the True Reward 

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught that generosity never leads to poverty; it only enriches the giver. 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslimi, Hadith 2588, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Charity does not decrease wealth.’ 

For a child, this profound truth can be explained simply: whenever you give something for the sake of Allah Almighty, He replaces it with something even better, whether in this life or the next. Linking generosity to this divine promise lifts the heart, helping children to see sharing not as a sacrifice, but as the sweetest and most lasting reward of all.