The first person who benefits from an act of charity is the benefactor himself, by seeing changes in himself and in his manners, by finding peace, by watching a smile form on the lips of another.

If you find yourself in difficulty or distress, show kindness to others: you will be the first to find solace and comfort. Give to the needy, defend the oppressed, feed the poor, help those in distress, visit the sick: you will find that happiness surrounds you from all directions.

An act of charity is like perfume - it benefits the user, the seller, and the buyer. Furthermore, the psychological benefits that one receives from helping others are great. If you suffer from depression, an act of charity will have a more potent effect for your sickness than the best of drugs can have. Even when you smile upon meeting others, you are giving charity.

The Prophet said:

'Do not dismiss certain acts of kindness by deeming them to be insignificant; even if you meet your brother with a smiling face (then it is an action, which might weigh heavily in your scale of deeds).'

O’ you, who are threatened by misery, fear and grief, occupy yourself in the betterment of others. Help others in different ways - through charity, hospitality, sympathy, and support. And in doing so, you will find all of the happiness that you desire.

"He who spends his wealth for increase in self-purification, and has in his mind no favour from anyone for which a reward is expected in return; except only the desire to seek the Countenance of his Lord, the Most High. He surely will be pleased [when he enters Paradise]."
[Surah Al-Lail – Ayat 18-21.]