Two approaches to giving charity
We usually think that we give charity because there are poor people and indeed we think that those who receive it are the main beneficiary. However this is not the right approach because in reality the main beneficiary is the one who gives. Allah swt says that the main purpose of charity is not giving to the poor but actually giving charity is mainly in order for us to purify ourselves.
Therefore there are two approaches to giving charity. One is that there are people in need and as believers we cannot live comfortably whilst knowing that there are needy people. However the other approach is that no matter whether there are needy people or not, we need to give charity to purify our soul. In the Holy Qur’an Chapter 92, verse 18 Allah swt says that the one who gives their money seeks purity.