Charity in winter means helping those who struggle to secure warmth and food in the cold season, with money, clothing, food or care. Its doors are wide, and include warm clothes, hot meals, orphan sponsorship and treatment. The need grows as displacement continues around the world: the number of forcibly displaced people reached 117.8 million at the end of 2025.
What is the virtue of charity in winter?
The Holy Quran urges spending in the cause of God and promises multiplied reward for it. God Almighty says:
مَّثَلُ ٱلَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ أَمْوَٰلَهُمْ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ كَمَثَلِ حَبَّةٍ أَنۢبَتَتْ سَبْعَ سَنَابِلَ فِى كُلِّ سُنۢبُلَةٍۢ مِّا۟ئَةُ حَبَّةٍۢ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ يُضَٰعِفُ لِمَن يَشَآءُ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ وَٰسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ
Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 261
“The example of those who spend their wealth in the cause of God is like a grain that grows seven ears, each ear holding a hundred grains. God multiplies for whom He wills, and God is Vast and All-Knowing.”
Among the forms of giving the Quran praised is selflessness, as in its description of the Ansar:
وَيُؤْثِرُونَ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِهِمْ وَلَوْ كَانَ بِهِمْ خَصَاصَةٌۭ ۚ وَمَن يُوقَ شُحَّ نَفْسِهِۦ فَأُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلْمُفْلِحُونَ
Surah Al-Hashr, verse 9
“…and they prefer others over themselves, even though they are in need. And whoever is protected from the greed of his own soul, it is those who are the successful.”
In the authentic hadith, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “You see the believers in their mutual mercy, love and compassion like one body: when one part complains, the rest of the body responds with sleeplessness and fever” (narrated by al-Bukhari, and reported by Muslim in similar words, no. 2586). Severe cold is a door through which this mercy shows among people.
Why does the need for charity grow in winter?
Because the cold adds new needs to the usual ones: clothing, heating, shelter and health care. In Gaza, for example, it was estimated in December 2025 that about 1.5 million people needed urgent shelter support. And nine people died from the cold that season by January 2026.
It is not limited to Gaza: about 70 percent of refugees in the world live in long-term displacement. This means the cold hits them in the same camps and temporary shelters year after year.
What are the best types of charity in winter?
Charity in winter takes different forms according to need, and the most important are:
| Type of charity | Its impact | For whom |
|---|---|---|
| Warm clothes and blankets | Protection from the cold | Families, children and the elderly |
| Food and food baskets | Enough food in the cold season | Affected families |
| Support for the displaced and refugees | Shelter and heating | Families in camps |
| Orphan sponsorship | Continuous care and protection | Orphaned children |
| Health care | Treatment and medicine | The sick and the elderly |
| Regular charity | Steady giving that does not stop when the season ends | As the giver chooses |
You can choose between general donation, sponsoring an orphan, supporting health care, helping families, supporting children’s education, or setting aside regular charity from your monthly budget.
How can charity support orphans and the elderly in winter?
Orphans and the elderly are among those who feel the cold and loneliness most. That is why the authentic hadiths urge caring for them. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “I and the sponsor of an orphan will be in Paradise like this,” and he held up his index and middle fingers (narrated by al-Bukhari, no. 5304). He also said: “He is not one of us who does not show mercy to our young and does not know the honor of our old” (narrated by al-Tirmidhi, no. 1920, who said: a good and authentic hadith).
How do I give charity in winter through Qatar Charity?
You can take part through the donation page on the Qatar Charity website. You can also learn about the campaign’s aims in the winter campaign: sharing warmth with millions around the world, and about the virtue of giving in this season in Winter, the Season of Goodness and Giving. Review the available options before completing your donation.
Frequently asked questions about charity in winter
What makes charity in winter more urgent?
The cold adds the needs of clothing, heating, shelter and treatment to the usual need for food. It was estimated that about 1.5 million people in Gaza needed urgent shelter support, and most refugees live in long-term displacement, so their need for warmth returns every winter.
What are the best types of charity in winter?
The best is what meets the real need: warm clothes and blankets, food and hot meals, shelter and heating for the displaced, orphan sponsorship and health care. What they share is that they reach those who need them in time, and you can choose regular charity so that it continues after the season ends.
How can I be sure my charity reaches those who deserve it?
Give through a known and licensed organization, read its published reports on campaigns, distribution places and the number of beneficiaries, and keep your donation receipt. Qatar Charity publishes the results of its winter campaigns in its news and blog, as in the 2023-2024 season report.
