almsgiving

American  

[ahlmz-giv-ing, ahmz-] / ˈɑlmzˌgɪv ɪŋ, ˈɑmz- /

noun

1. the act of donating money, food, or other items to people in need of them, especially as a spiritual practice.

   Almsgiving helps us experience giving freely, which leads to freedom from the obsession with possessing, freedom from the fear of losing what we have.

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Etymology

Origin of almsgiving

alms + giving

Example Sentences

It concludes a 40-day period known as Lent, during which Christians focus on prayer, almsgiving, and practice traditions such as abstinence from eating meat on certain days.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

We’re also supposed to practice almsgiving and assist those less fortunate than ourselves as a way of honoring Christ, who pointed out that giving so it costs you is the only way to give.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 6, 2026

Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, along with the profession of faith, prayer, almsgiving, and pilgrimage.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 7, 2024

While in Mecca he spent lavishly, contributing some 100,000 gold pieces to charity and related almsgiving programs.

From Textbooks • Dec. 14, 2022

At the same time, the most promiscuous and profuse almsgiving was enjoined: “Sell all that thou hast and give unto the poor,” was the literal injunction.

From The Eliminator; or, Skeleton Keys to Sacerdotal Secrets by Westbrook, Richard B.