A vast majority of the people all along the history have been poor, unable to sustain them and their families. Most of these have been struggling to live on charity by the affluent and God fearing people. Generally in societies that thrive on ethical traditions, charity is seen as a moral duty or virtuous action aimed at helping those less fortunate, alleviating suffering, and promoting social welfare.
In Islam, charity (known as sadaqah) is a significant act of worship and a way to earn rewards from Allah (God). It is seen not only as a financial contribution but also as any act of kindness or generosity that benefits others. The concept of charity is deeply integrated into the moral teachings of Islam, where the emphasis is placed on helping those in need, fostering compassion, and reducing inequality.
However, there is a time to give charity by parting generously with one's wealth and that time is when one is still in a position to do the acct of charity himself in good health. The virtue of charity loses its meaning when one is lying on the deathbed and tries to doll out charity mainly to earn a last hope of pleasing Allah.
This is the subject of the Hadith attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ being shared today which is mentioned in Sahi al-Bukhārī (Book 55: Wills and Testaments (Wasaayaa) / كتاب الوصايا / Chapter 7: Giving in charity at the time of death / باب الصَّدَقَةِ عِنْدَ الْمَوْتِ / as Hadith 2748, given herein under:
Narrated by Abu Huraira:
A man asked the Prophet, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! What kind of charity is the best?" He replied. "To give in charity when you are healthy and greedy hoping to be wealthy and afraid of becoming poor. Don't delay giving in charity till the time when you are on the death bed when you say, 'Give so much to soand- so and so much to so-and so,' and at that time the property is not yours but it belongs to so-and-so (i.e. your inheritors).
Arabic Text:
حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْعَلاَءِ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو أُسَامَةَ، عَنْ سُفْيَانَ، عَنْ عُمَارَةَ، عَنْ أَبِي زُرْعَةَ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ قَالَ قَالَ رَجُلٌ لِلنَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ، أَىُّ الصَّدَقَةِ أَفْضَلُ قَالَ " أَنْ تَصَدَّقَ وَأَنْتَ صَحِيحٌ حَرِيصٌ. تَأْمُلُ الْغِنَى، وَتَخْشَى الْفَقْرَ، وَلاَ تُمْهِلْ حَتَّى إِذَا بَلَغَتِ الْحُلْقُومَ قُلْتَ لِفُلاَنٍ كَذَا وَلِفُلاَنٍ كَذَا، وَقَدْ كَانَ لِفُلاَنٍ ".
This hadith provides important guidance on the nature of giving charity (sadaqah) and emphasizes its significance, particularly in the context of a believer's personal state and attachment to wealth. The Prophet (ﷺ) is teaching that the best form of charity is one given when a person is healthy, financially stable, and still attached to the worldly desire for wealth. This situation, where a person might feel reluctant to part with their money due to greed or fear of poverty, is precisely when the act of charity holds the most merit.
Understanding the Hadith in Light of the Qur'an:
- Charity in Times of Health and Wealth:
- The hadith advises that charity is most virtuous when given in a state of good health and when one is still hopeful of acquiring more wealth. This links to the Qur'anic verses that emphasize giving charity sincerely, even when one might be reluctant or hesitant.
- In the Qur'an, Allah says: “The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like that of a seed of grain that sprouts seven ears. In every ear there are a hundred grains.” (Al-Baqarah 2:261)
- This verse teaches that even when one is reluctant to give, the rewards of charity are immense and multiplied manifold. The Prophet's (ﷺ) instruction here aligns with the idea that giving when you are not in a position of desperation or necessity brings more spiritual value, as it involves overcoming personal desires and attachments.
- Delayed Charity – Not Posthumously:
- The hadith warns against delaying charity until the point of death, where a person may wish to give but can no longer do so effectively, because the wealth is now controlled by the heirs.
- The Qur'an highlights the limited value of giving after one has passed away, emphasizing the importance of spending in the way of Allah during one’s lifetime: “And spend in the way of Allah from what We have provided you before death comes to any of you, and he says, ‘My Lord, if only You would delay me for a short time so I would give charity and be among the righteous.’” (Al-Munafiqun 63:10)
- This verse highlights the regret of those who wish they could have given charity when they were alive, but by that time, it's too late. The Prophet’s (ﷺ) statement in the hadith warns against this kind of procrastination and emphasizes the need to give charity while alive and in control of one's wealth.
- Charity as a Test of Faith and Reliance on Allah:
- The act of giving charity while still hoping for more wealth or fearing poverty is a test of one's trust in Allah's provision.
- The Qur'an instructs believers to trust in Allah’s sustenance and to give in charity as an act of faith: “The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed of grain that sprouts seven ears. In each ear there are a hundred grains. Allah multiplies whom He wills.” (Al-Baqarah 2:261)
- When a person gives while fearing poverty, they show their dependence on Allah and their belief that He will continue to provide. It is a test of their attachment to wealth and their faith in Allah’s ability to sustain them. The act of giving charity in such a state of vulnerability reflects true devotion and trust in Allah.
In light of the Qur'an, the hadith advises believers to give charity in the prime of their health and wealth, as this is the most meaningful act of faith. It encourages overcoming the natural attachment to wealth and shows that charity is not just about giving what is left over, but about making a conscious decision to part with wealth when you are most attached to it. It also highlights the futility of delaying charity until death, when the opportunity has passed and the wealth is no longer yours to give.
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door.
وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ
(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.
May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.
Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.
Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.
For Hadiths on the subject, please refer to our reference page: Collection of Hadiths attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Sadaqah صدقة / Voluntary Charity
For more hadiths on varying subjects, refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about Hadiths and Sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.
Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors. If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.
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