Abstract
The concept of charity is an old notion under both English and Islamic laws. As far as common law is concerned this concept is developed by the courts in many years back while under Islamic law, this notion is governed by the main sources of Islam i.e., Qur’an and Sunnah of Prophet (S). The notion charity begins at home is a common saying in English language, but under legal speaking it seems that charity never begins at home under English law whereby the best charity in Islamic law always begins at home. Under English law a charity must be established for the benefit or a sufficiently important section of the public rather than for the benefit of private individuals and this is the main justification for the legal and fiscal concessions granted to charities. Public benefit is the hallmark of a charity within a common law context. But in Islam on the other hand, the issue of charity gives priority to the family members before considering those who are outside the family. This paper will examine in detail this notion under both laws in order to find its applicability.