Charitable Giving in Christianity
Alms giving has been a rich Christian tradition and religious practice since the apostolic age, though its roots can be found in the life and teachings of Jesus himself. Jesus taught that to love God and to love neighbor are the greatest commandments. In the Gospel of Matthew (chapter 25), Jesus identifies himself with those who are poor and excluded, and teaches that we will be judged, not on how beautiful our altars are, but on the way that we treat others. Alms collection is part of the Offertory in Roman Catholic churches and similar services are offered in protestant churches. Tithing means giving one tenth, and is practiced by many Christian denominations. During Lent, for example, Christians are urged to pray, to fast and to give alms or tithe (money or goods) to people in need.
Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life. 1 Timothy 6:17–19
Jesus Taught to Give in Secret, Not for Show:
Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth; they have received all the reward they will ever get. But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. Matthew 6:1–5
The teachings of Jesus underlined above are practically identical to a famous Hadith (saying of Muhammad) I mentioned above.
The following teaching from Jesus seem very close to the concept of Zakat in Islam- vis a vis- giving charity to purify wealth.
Rather, give as alms what is inside, and then everything will be clean for you! Luke 11:41
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