Philanthropy is a concept to help the poor for public good, material gain and quality of life, basically focusing on public services. It’s different from charity as it focuses on the root cause of problem.
The person who performs philanthropy termed as philanthropist. Philanthropy is different in different
religion but the aim is same as to serve for public.

Philanthropy in Hinduism

Hinduism considered as one of the oldest and third largest religion in the world. Some practitioners refer
it as Sanatana Dharma (beyond human history). In Hinduism philanthropy is being held since very long time, it is termed as ‘Dana’ in Hinduism as well as in Buddhism, Sikhism and Jainism.

Dana is giving to the needy when they are distress and in need. It’s any form of giving considering food,
clothes, money, etc.

Dana cannot be just ends with food, clothes, etc., it can be given for larger projects such as to build school, repair temple, building hospitals, students education, etc., in any forms to help the needy.
During festivals in Hinduism such as Sankrant, Navratre, Diwali, etc., Dana became a ritual even a
poor man give some for charity (helping others) as rice, wheat, vegetables, etc., which is not too costly
but can provide a one-time meal for the poorer.

Dana is done without any expectations for return.

In Bhagvata Purana (a holy book) Dana is said to be as in Chapter 23

“Giving to the poor is true charity; all other giving
expects some return.”

Philanthropy in Islam

Islam is the second-largest religion in the world with the majority of 51 countries with 24.9% of world’s total population termed as Muslims. Islam religion teaches that Muhammad is a messenger of God.

Philanthropy in Islam is consisting of two types:

Obligatory Philanthropy consists of two types Zakat and Fitrana.

Zakat:-

Zakat is a portion or share of wealth to give to beneficiaries, if they have more than specified limit.
In Islamic state, government collects for Zakat based on the assets of the individual. Zakat is one of the five fundamental requirements for practicing the faith of Muslims.

Fitrana:-

Fitrana is to pay for themselves or who is in person’s care; it could be their children, parents, anyone who
comes under their responsibility before the end of Ramadan month.

Voluntary Philanthropy

Voluntary Philanthropy is consisting of two types Sadaqa and Waqf.

Sadaqa:-

Sadaqa is dues on every Muslim as it’s beyond financial contribution, if he is not able to support then he needs to work and support for Sadaqa. Sadaqa beneficiaries do not be Muslim they can be of
any religion.

Waqf:-

Waqf is giving permanently a property of a Muslim, considering a dedication towards God by Islamic Law. The property used for mankind and it gets done with a legal contract which requires founder, trustee, judge and the beneficiaries.

Philanthropy in Buddhism

Buddhism is an Indian religion, runs on the teachings of Gautam Buddha, its fourth-largest religion in
world. Gautam Buddha or Siddhartha Gautam after getting enlighten discovered the path to escape the cycle of birth and rebirth and to release clinging and craving.

Buddhism consists of three types of giving:-

1.Material giving
2.Giving of fearlessness
3.Giving of Dharma

Material Giving:-

It involves food for hungry, house for homeless and money for poor and so on.

Giving of Fearlessness:-

Saving lives of insect, animal from drowning or getting serves as food.

Giving of Dharma:-

Teaching dharma by giving lectures, opening center’s and through publishing books.

Philanthropy in Sikhism

Sikhism religion is found in Indian Subcontinent, in Punjab and its fifth world’s largest religion. Basically
Sahajhari or non-khalsa Nankpanthi Sikhs developed on the teachings of Guru Nanak. Sikh considered as one of the most involved in philanthropy, they run Langar (offering food to people) for around millions of people on daily basis.

Langar:-

It’s an eating area in Gurudwara(temple) where food get offered to any religion of any caste either he/she is poor or rich. Golden Temple in Amritsar serves 3000 free meals to every visitor within every half an hour.

During the time of social causes or natural disaster Sikhs helps the needy with huge food camps for thousands of people.

Vand Chhakna:-

Act of sharing or giving to charity and Sikh considered is as their religious duty.

Sewa:-

Sikh considered Sewa as their selfless duty to help.

“One who performs selfless service without thought
of reward shall attain this Lord and Master”

Guru Granth Sahib

Philanthropy in Christianity

Christian or Christianity is based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ (God’s son).

Jesus said
“Love the Lord your God…and your neighbor
as yourself”

Christian philanthropy fits inside the secular philanthropy to care the poor considering human life has value and to achieve piece, equality and virtues. Whatever Christian do, resolves around the name of
Jesus such as racial healing, education, clean water and proper care of the planet.
There are two roots of philanthropy in Christianity are

1.Philos ( love and affection)
2.Anthropos ( mankind)

Both derive to love his fellow man apart from self-interest.