April 13^th marks a special day for 3 of the most populous religions in not only India but on Earth. For all three to fall on the same day is a rare occasion,  and for many this a symbol of unity. While separation and tensions arise in all countries and nations, such celebrations intertwining reminds us to find strength and alliance in diversity.  

Now to discuss a bit about each:

 Navratri translates into “nine nights” where the people of the Hindu religion focus on rejuvenation through following a strict diet, sleep, and meditation. Each of the nine days are dedicated towards Goddess Shakti’s nine embodiments.

April 13^th also happens to be the first day of Ramadan, one of the five pillars of Islam. Ramadan lasts from the sighting of one crescent moon to the next, therefore it roughly lasts about 30 days. Ramadan is practiced as to attain taqwa, to make amends for ones sins and avoid drought. Along with this, it provides Muslims with a period of reflection, where Allah may guide them to peace and clarity, and allow them to be grateful. Muslims strictly fast for the entire time the sun is up, only breaking fast during night. Along with this many Muslims give Sadaqah, donations to charity for the cause of Allah.

Overall, there is a wave of much needed peace and acceptance this week as the focus shifts towards peace, humility, and self deliberation. 

Giving away something you’ve earned can seem difficult, especially when that very thing is what keeps you alive and functioning in society, money of course.  Still, certain charities continue to successfully raise millions, even billions of dollars each year, such as The United Way with 3.6 Billion in private donations, or Direct Relief reaching 2 Billion in the last year (Barret, 2020). This compels the question, why are so many people driven to make donations? In this blog we will attempt to uncover the answer, based on a survey of 15 individuals, and journal analysis.

Trust 

Trust. If the donors can form a relationship with the organization they are donating to and can understand exactly where their money is going to, they are highly inclined to donate again.  Therefore, charities must focus on being completely transparent with where their funds are being allocated. 

Tax Benefits

Many individuals and companies regularly partake in making large donations to registered charities to decrease their income tax yearly. With companies such as Walmart donating over $400 million to registered Canadian Charities over the past 25 years (Walmart Canada). A clear guide on how to claim Tax deductible donations is offered through the Canada revenue agency, just follow the link here.

  Egoism/Social purposes

        Altruism

Oxford lists the definition of Altruism as being “the belief in or practice of disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others”.This was the most common reason of giving among those surveyed, as they stated they felt compassion towards those in need or towards the less fortunate. With one individual stating “I’d rather do something kind for someone else than for myself” and another individual making a similar comment “’the feeling you are fortunate enough to help someone in need”.

Religion

Last but not least, a few individuals claimed religion to be their purpose. The following are two of the replies I got, “God pervades in every living soul so why not give back to the Great Giver by donating”, and another simply responding with “religion”. No religion is against charitable giving, with many even stating a minimum requirement. In Islam, the Zikat states they must donate 2.5% of the wealth yearly (Islamic relief) , many Christians and Jews believe in the principle of tithing (Christianity.com), which means giving 10% of their earning, similarly for Sikhs, a principle called the Dasvandh is followed where they either donate 10% of their income or 10% of their time in the form of volunteering (Sikhiwiki).

While it may seem, there is a right or a wrong reason for donating, in my opinion every reason is valid, as it is providing someone with a meal or a roof over their head that they wouldn’t have gotten otherwise. If we didn’t have our yearly contributors who donate for tax benefits or to enhance their reputation, a little girl may not have gotten an education. Therefore, we must look at it as a sort of necessary incentive and view the outcomes to be far more beneficial than the reason for the inputs.