Do not 'Reluctantly' part with your wealth to give into charity (Hadith Prophet Muhammad ﷺ)

The vast diversity in means of sustenance available to mankind makes it difficult for the Have NOTs to maintain and sustain a honourable living. While the charity is one of the means whereby  the affluent and rich can throw a few coins on the poor, it does not resolve the issue of poverty. 

Islam comes to address the issue in a very systematic and organized manner. Charity in Islam, known as Sadaqah and Zakat, is a central concept that emphasizes generosity, compassion, and social responsibility. It is not only an act of kindness but a duty of every capable Muslim to share their wealth, help the less fortunate, and support the well-being of society. Charity in Islam is seen as a form of worship that strengthens the relationship between individuals and Allah, as well as bonds within the community. Here by charity Islam means helping the needy and not the beggars who are professionals and no amount of money can fill their sacks and desires.

However, despite the noble cause of voluntary and obligatory charity, many a man are seen withholding their hand and reluctant to part a sizeable amount which could benefit a poor family. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ has cautioned men against holding back and asked them to help others wholeheartedly for it carries a big reward from Allah.

This Hadith is mentioned in Sahi al-Bukhārī  (Book 51  Gifts /  كتاب الهبة وفضلها والتحريض عليها / Chapter 15:  A woman giving gifts to someone other than husband / باب هِبَةِ الْمَرْأَةِ لِغَيْرِ زَوْجِهَا) as Hadith 2590, given herein under:

Narrated by Asma:

Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Give (in charity) and do not give reluctantly lest Allah should give you in a limited amount; and do not withhold your money lest Allah should withhold it from you."

Arabic Text:

حَدَّثَنَا عُبَيْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ سَعِيدٍ، حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ نُمَيْرٍ، حَدَّثَنَا هِشَامُ بْنُ عُرْوَةَ، عَنْ فَاطِمَةَ، عَنْ أَسْمَاءَ، أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ "‏ أَنْفِقِي وَلاَ تُحْصِي فَيُحْصِيَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْكِ، وَلاَ تُوعِي فَيُوعِيَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْكِ ‏"

This hadith emphasizes the importance of giving generously in charity and avoiding stinginess, teaching that one’s attitude towards giving can influence the blessings they receive from Allah. The Qur'an also frequently highlights the virtues of charity and warns against greed. When we view this hadith in light of Qur'anic teachings, the connection becomes clear: giving freely for the sake of Allah brings blessings and prevents the withholding of divine favors.

Key Points of the Hadith:

• "Give (in charity) and do not give reluctantly": The Prophet ﷺ encourages believers to give freely and generously in charity, without hesitation or reluctance. Charity should be given with a sincere heart, seeking Allah’s pleasure, rather than out of compulsion or half-heartedly.
• "Lest Allah should give you in a limited amount": The hadith warns that if a person is reluctant to give to others, Allah may limit what they receive. The message is clear: generosity leads to abundance, while stinginess can lead to deprivation.
• "Do not withhold your money lest Allah should withhold it from you": This part of the hadith echoes the idea that withholding wealth or being miserly may result in Allah withholding His blessings and provisions from that person.

Relevant Verses from the Qur'an:

• Giving Charity Brings Blessings: (Surah Al-Baqarah (2:261)): 

"The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] that sprouts seven ears; in every ear are a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills."

This verse shows that giving in charity results in immense blessings and rewards. A single act of charity can lead to a manifold return in this life and the Hereafter. The hadith reflects this same principle, where giving generously opens the doors to greater blessings.

• Warning Against Stinginess: (Surah Muhammad (47:38)):

"...But if you withhold, He will replace you with a people other than you, and they will not be like you."

Allah warns against being miserly, and the verse suggests that if people are unwilling to give, Allah may replace them with others who are more generous. This aligns with the hadith’s warning that withholding charity can lead to Allah withholding His blessings.

• Encouragement to Spend for the Sake of Allah: (Surah Al-Baqarah (2:245)):

"Who is it that will lend to Allah a goodly loan, so He may multiply it for him many times over? And it is Allah who withholds and grants abundance, and to Him you will be returned."

Allah describes spending in charity as a "loan" given to Him, which He promises to multiply in return. The verse also reminds us that it is Allah who controls wealth—He withholds or grants it according to His wisdom. The hadith mirrors this idea, warning that withholding charity may result in Allah withholding wealth or blessings.

• Generosity Leads to Increased Provision: (Surah Saba (34:39)):

"Say: Indeed, my Lord extends provision for whom He wills of His servants and restricts it for him. But whatever thing you spend [in His cause]—He will compensate it; and He is the best of providers."

This verse reinforces the belief that spending in the way of Allah will not diminish a person’s wealth, but rather, Allah will compensate and increase it. The hadith similarly advises that withholding charity can result in Allah limiting one’s wealth, while giving generously invites Allah's abundant provision.

Spiritual Lessons:

• Generosity as a Means of Earning Allah's Pleasure: Both the Qur'an and this hadith emphasize that giving in charity is a way to earn Allah’s pleasure and receive blessings in return. Acts of charity are not merely acts of kindness but also means of securing spiritual and material rewards from Allah.
• Avoiding Greed and Stinginess: The Qur'an and Hadith consistently warn against greed and withholding wealth. A person who is stingy harms themselves spiritually and materially. This hadith and the Qur'anic verses show that wealth is a test, and generosity leads to greater rewards, while greed leads to loss.
• Trust in Allah's Provision: The hadith encourages believers to trust in Allah’s provision. By giving freely, one demonstrates faith that Allah will provide for them. The Qur'an echoes this trust, reminding us that Allah is the ultimate provider and compensates whatever we give in charity.

This hadith in fact complements the Qur'anic teachings on charity and generosity. Both emphasize that giving freely and without hesitation brings divine blessings, while stinginess can lead to loss and deprivation. The concept that Allah rewards those who give and withholds from those who withhold is a consistent message throughout both the Qur'an and the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Through charity, one not only supports those in need but also gains spiritual rewards and increases their own provision from Allah.

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

You may also refer to our reference page: Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Warning and Cautions for more Hadiths on the subject

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.

Photo | Source of Hadith | Help taken from ChatGPT for expanding meaning of the Hadith

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.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Read More

Metaphoric use of 360 human body joints to correlate good deeds as "charity" for each joint to attain protection of Allah

Today we share a hadith the content of which have recently been authenticated by modern science. The hadith refers the number joints in the human body as a metaphor whereby the movement of  joints in the human body engaged in good deeds will benefit a believer on the Day of Judgment, or even otherwise in this world too.

As per scientific research, the human body is an amazing machine with 270 bones at birth, which decreases to 206 as we age as parts of our bones fuse together. Thus, there are 360 joints in our body, connecting one bone to another. Mention of 360 joints in a hadith which dates back to more than 1400 years back make men of wisdom wonder how could Prophet Muhammad ﷺ had known a fact which has only  recently been discovered? This clearly shows that whatever Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said was in fact from the Divine knowledge provided to him so that people of later time when would discover this fact would know that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was really a messenger of God, for otherwise a precise guesswork could not have been so accurate.

This Hadith is quoted in Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: Book 12 The Book of Zakat / كتاب الزكاة /  Chapter 16: The word charity (Sadaqah) may apply to all good deeds Ma'ruf / باب بَيَانِ أَنَّ اسْمَ الصَّدَقَةِ يَقَعُ عَلَى كُلِّ نَوْعٍ مِنَ الْمَعْرُوفِ / as Hadith number # 2722 as under:

'A'isha reported Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) as saying:

"Every one of the children of Adam has been created with three hundred and sixty joints; so he who declares the Glory of Allah, praises Allah, declares Allah to be One, Glorifies Allah, and seeks forgiveness from Allah, and removes stone, or thorn, or bone from people's path, and enjoins what is good and forbids from evil, to the number of those three hundred and sixty joints, will walk that day having saved himself from the Fire."

Abu Taubah said: "Perhaps he said: 'Will reach the evening.'"

Arabic Text:

حَدَّثَنَا حَسَنُ بْنُ عَلِيٍّ الْحُلْوَانِيُّ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو تَوْبَةَ الرَّبِيعُ بْنُ نَافِعٍ، حَدَّثَنَا مُعَاوِيَةُ، - يَعْنِي ابْنَ سَلاَّمٍ - عَنْ زَيْدٍ، أَنَّهُ سَمِعَ أَبَا سَلاَّمٍ، يَقُولُ حَدَّثَنِي عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ فَرُّوخَ، أَنَّهُ سَمِعَ عَائِشَةَ، تَقُولُ إِنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏"‏ إِنَّهُ خُلِقَ كُلُّ إِنْسَانٍ مِنْ بَنِي آدَمَ عَلَى سِتِّينَ وَثَلاَثِمَائَةِ مَفْصِلٍ فَمَنْ كَبَّرَ اللَّهَ وَحَمِدَ اللَّهَ وَهَلَّلَ اللَّهَ وَسَبَّحَ اللَّهَ وَاسْتَغْفَرَ اللَّهَ وَعَزَلَ حَجَرًا عَنْ طَرِيقِ النَّاسِ أَوْ شَوْكَةً أَوْ عَظْمًا عَنْ طَرِيقِ النَّاسِ وَأَمَرَ بِمَعْرُوفٍ أَوْ نَهَى عَنْ مُنْكَرٍ عَدَدَ تِلْكَ السِّتِّينَ وَالثَّلاَثِمِائَةِ السُّلاَمَى فَإِنَّهُ يَمْشِي يَوْمَئِذٍ وَقَدْ زَحْزَحَ نَفْسَهُ عَنِ النَّارِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ أَبُو تَوْبَةَ وَرُبَّمَا قَالَ ‏"‏ يُمْسِي ‏"‏ ‏.‏

This hadith emphasizes the importance of gratitude, worship, and performing small acts of goodness, which collectively serve as a form of "charity" for each joint in our bodies, helping us attain Allah’s protection and salvation.

Explanation of the Hadith

"Every one of the children of Adam has been created with three hundred and sixty joints":

This part highlights the human body’s complexity and Allah’s remarkable creation. The mention of "joints" suggests that each movement, capability, and function in our body is a blessing from Allah, and we should acknowledge and thank Him for it.

Good Deeds as Charity for Each Joint:

The hadith mentions various good deeds, such as glorifying Allah, seeking forgiveness, and removing harmful objects from people’s paths, as acts of gratitude or "charity" for each joint.

These acts show a wide variety of ways to show thanks to Allah: through dhikr (remembrance of Allah), helping others, promoting good, and discouraging harm. Performing these good deeds symbolically "pays" for the blessings in our body.

"Will walk that day having saved himself from the Fire":

By consistently engaging in good deeds throughout the day, a person earns Allah’s mercy and protection from Hellfire. This serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a steady, conscious connection with Allah and living a life of kindness, worship, and integrity.

The phrase "will reach the evening" (or "reach the morning") suggests that a person who performs these acts consistently can expect Allah's protection and blessings for that day.

Lessons from the Hadith:

• Gratitude for Allah’s Blessings: Every joint, muscle, and limb is a gift from Allah, enabling us to live a full life. Expressing gratitude through good deeds acknowledges the blessings Allah has bestowed upon us.
• The Variety of Good Deeds: The deeds mentioned include both acts of worship (like dhikr) and social good (like removing harmful objects from the path). Islam values worship as well as practical acts that benefit society, emphasizing a well-rounded life that serves both spiritual and social dimensions.
• Daily Habit of Goodness: This hadith encourages forming a habit of engaging in small acts of goodness every day. Consistency in these actions helps a person remain conscious of Allah, fostering mindfulness and purpose.
• Protection from the Fire: Through these regular acts of worship and service, we seek Allah's mercy and protection from Hellfire. This shows that even small acts, done sincerely and consistently, have the power to contribute to our ultimate salvation.
• Positive Social Impact: Acts like "removing a stone, thorn, or bone from people’s path" symbolize the importance of making life easier and safer for others, reinforcing the social responsibility Islam places on individuals to ensure community well-being.

Application in Daily Life:

• Consistent Dhikr and Worship: Reciting SubhanAllah (Glory be to Allah), Alhamdulillah (Praise be to Allah), La ilaha illallah (There is no god but Allah), and seeking forgiveness daily can fulfill part of our gratitude to Allah and strengthen our relationship with Him.
• Engaging in Small Acts of Kindness: Small acts like picking up trash, smiling, or lending a hand are easy ways to fulfill the spirit of this hadith. They remind us that acts of kindness, no matter how small, are valuable.
• Enjoining Good and Forbidding Evil: Encouraging others to do good and discouraging wrongdoing (in a kind and wise manner) aligns with the teachings of this hadith and helps establish a supportive, positive community environment.

Thus, this hadith from the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of gratitude, not only through prayer and worship but also through small acts of kindness that benefit others. It teaches us that each part of our body deserves thanks, which we can fulfill through conscious acts of goodness throughout the day. Ultimately, this path of gratitude, worship, and kindness brings us closer to Allah’s mercy and protection from the Fire, emphasizing that consistent good deeds, however small, carry immense value in Islam.

Remember, on the Day of Judgement, each joint of our body will speak the way it was used by us - whether for good or otherwise. So let us move our body parts for performance of good only, lest on that fateful day we have our joints speaking against us and how we used them to commit sins.

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.

Please refer to our exclusive reference page Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about As Salat for more Sunnah and Hadith attributed to Prophet Muhammad exclusive to As Salat.

Please refer to our exclusive reference page Etiquettes taught by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ for more etiquettes attributed to Prophet Muhammad.

You may refer to our reference: page: Supplications attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ for more prophetic supplications

Please refer to our reference page: Oft asked Queries from Prophet Muhammad ﷺ for more Hadiths on the subject

For Hadiths on the subject, please refer to our reference page: Collection of Hadiths attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Sadaqah صدقة  / Voluntary Charity

Please refer to our reference page: Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ  for more Hadiths on the General Subjects.

Please refer to our reference page: Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about As Salat - Prayers

Please refer to our reference page: Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Saum - Fasting in Ramadan for more Hadiths on the subject

Please refer to our reference page: Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Warning and Cautions for more Hadiths on the subject

Please refer to our reference page: Collections of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Rewards for more Hadiths on the subject

Please refer to our reference page: Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ related to Muslim Women  for more Hadiths on the status of women in Islam.

Please refer to our reference page: Collection of Hadith e Qudsi (حدیثِ قُدسی) attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ  for more Hadith e Qudsi.

Please refer to our reference page: Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Hajj – the Fifth Pillar of Islam to know more about Hadiths related to Hajj.

Please refer to our reference page: Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Sabr / Patience to read more Hadiths on the subject.

Please refer to our reference page: Collection of Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to read more Sunnah attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

Please refer to our reference page: Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Self-Reliance with Dignity and Value of Honest Labour to read more related Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

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.

Photo | Source of Hadith | Help taken from ChatGPT for expanding meaning of the Hadith

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.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Read More

Spend of what Allah has granted you before death should come to you

No two men are blessed equally. Rather it is generally seen that the Have NOTs are more than those who are the lucky ones to have the blessings of Allah and means of sustenance available to them. This disparity in means of sustenance has been created so that those who have more than their needs, should share the extra with those who have none or too less to live a meaningful life. Despite the wisdom behind the blessings and otherwise, most of us fail the test and fail to part with our resources to help others. If man had been generous, the world today would have been a happier place. But despite abundance of resources, we see children dying of hunger in many areas of the world. Instead of helping them, there are countries who dump millions of tons of wheat into the sea for want of storage.

It is for this very reason, Allah has asked His servants to help others from what they have been given, lest death begets them and they leave behind their coffers stuffed with money that if had been given away in charity, would have come to their rescue on the Day of the Judgment.

Of the many verses from Qur'an on charity, we share the 10th verse of Surah Al-Munafiqun which emphasizes the importance of giving charity (sadaqah) and performing good deeds before death, as once death comes, it is too late for repentance or righteous actions. The verse reads:

وَاَنۡفِقُوۡا مِنۡ مَّا رَزَقۡنٰكُمۡ مِّنۡ قَبۡلِ اَنۡ يَّاۡتِىَ اَحَدَكُمُ الۡمَوۡتُ فَيَقُوۡلَ رَبِّ لَوۡلَاۤ اَخَّرۡتَنِىۡۤ اِلٰٓى اَجَلٍ قَرِيۡبٍۙ فَاَصَّدَّقَ وَاَكُنۡ مِّنَ الصّٰلِحِيۡنَ‏ 

(63:10) And spend of what Allah has granted you by way of sustenance before death should come to any of you and he should say: “Lord, why did You not defer my return for a while so that I might give alms and be among the righteous?”

With respect to charitable donations, the surah here touches their hearts in several ways: "Give, then, out of what We have provided for you." This reminds us of the source of all that we have. It is all from God in whom we believe and who instructs us to be generous and charitable. Such giving should be done "before death comes to any ofyou.. ." It should be a result of the person's own action before death overtakes him and he leaves everything behind for others to enjoy. If he does not do so then he will look around only to discover that he has put nothing forward for his own salvation. This is the worst stupidity and the greatest loss. He will then feel pangs of regret and wish he could have more time to be charitable and join with those people who are righteous.

Let us expand this verse to have a detailed view of its revelation:

• Command to Spend in Charity: The verse instructs believers to give from what Allah has provided them. This refers to wealth, time, and abilities that Allah has granted as a means to support others and to earn His pleasure. Charity (sadaqah) is a major way to purify wealth and help those in need.
• Before Death Approaches: The warning is clear: believers should act while they are alive and capable. Once death comes, there will be no opportunity to return to life and rectify one's shortcomings, including giving charity or engaging in righteous deeds.
• Regret After Death: The verse portrays a scene where a person, upon realizing that death is imminent, regrets not having spent their wealth in charity or having performed more righteous deeds. They beg for a delay or extension of life so they can return to perform good deeds, especially charity. However, at that point, it is too late, and no delay will be granted.

Supporting Hadith and Teachings:

The theme of this verse is reflected in many hadiths that highlight the importance of giving charity and performing good deeds during one's lifetime, as these actions cannot be performed after death.

• Hadith on Giving Charity Before Death: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the urgency of giving charity before it is too late. He said:

“A man said: O Messenger of Allah, which charity is the most virtuous? He said: 'To give in charity when you are healthy and miserly, fearing poverty and hoping for a long life. Do not delay until the soul reaches the throat, and then say: ‘This is for so-and-so, and that is for so-and-so,’ when it has already become so-and-so's.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 2748)

This hadith reinforces the message of the verse by advising believers to give charity while they are still alive, in good health, and capable. The Prophet warns that delaying charity until the moment of death is futile because once death approaches, the opportunity to perform good deeds is lost.

• Hadith on Regret After Death: The Prophet (peace be upon him) also mentioned how the deceased will regret not having done more during their lifetime. He said:

"The servant says, 'My Lord, give me respite so that I may give charity and be among the righteous.' But Allah will not grant respite to a soul when its appointed time has come." (Sahih al-Bukhari, 4679)

This hadith directly mirrors the sentiment expressed in the verse: once the time of death arrives, no further chances will be given to perform acts of righteousness, including charity.

• The Value of Charity: The Prophet (peace be upon him) greatly emphasized the importance of charity and how it benefits both the giver and society. He said:

"Charity does not decrease wealth. No one forgives another except that Allah increases his honor, and no one humbles himself for the sake of Allah except that Allah raises his status." (Sahih Muslim, 2588)

Charity is seen not as a loss of wealth, but as a means to gain blessings and honor in both this life and the Hereafter. This hadith encourages believers to give freely and frequently without fearing poverty.

Broader Lessons from the Verse and Hadith:

• The Urgency of Good Deeds: Both the verse and hadiths convey a sense of urgency in performing good deeds, particularly giving charity. Life is short and unpredictable, and death can come at any moment. Believers should make the most of their time and wealth by engaging in righteous actions.
• Regret of the Negligent: After death, the opportunity to rectify one’s shortcomings is gone. The verse captures the regret that many will feel at not having done more, particularly in helping others and supporting charitable causes.
• Giving While Alive and Healthy: The hadith encourages giving charity when one is healthy and able, rather than delaying until death approaches. Charity given in such a state demonstrates sincerity and a willingness to part with wealth for the sake of Allah, without waiting for the moment when it is too late.
• Charity as a Means of Salvation: Charity is one of the most virtuous deeds in Islam. It not only purifies one’s wealth but also serves as a shield from Allah's displeasure and punishment. Thus, giving generously in one’s lifetime is a way to secure success in the Hereafter.

Surah Al-Munafiqun, verse 10, along with the supporting hadiths, serves as a reminder for believers to give charity and engage in righteous actions while they are still able. The verse warns against procrastination in doing good deeds, as death could come at any moment, leaving no further opportunity for repentance or charity. The hadiths reinforce the urgency of acting before death and the regret that will come to those who delay, making it clear that charity is an essential part of a believer’s duty that must be fulfilled during their lifetime.

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.

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.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

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 more Selected Verses, please refer to our reference page: Selected Verses from the Qur'an. You may also refer to our Reference Pages  and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo | Tafsir References: | 1 | 2 | 

An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs and selected verses of the Qur'ān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.  

In addition, references of other sources which have been explored have also been given above. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites. For expansion of meaning and themes / contextual background help from ChatGPT is also taken.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references 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.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Read More

What is better than charity that is followed by hurt

No two men are gifted equally when it comes to means of sustenance "Rizq - رزق". However, in Islam, a system of obligatory charity (Zakat) and voluntary charity (Sadaqat) has been instituted to narrow down the gap between the HAVEs and HAVE NOTs. We will not go into details as to what is being said on the importance of above said two categories of charity both in Qur'an and Sunnah as we have written a number of posts on these.

Please refer to our reference page on: Importance of Charity in Islam, to know more about charity, especially the post: Believers should never nullify their acts of charit which follows the verse being shared today.

But is there anything better than charity?

Today, we in this post, share a rather different view on charity as is mentioned in the 263rd verse of Surah 2. Al Baqarah (The Cow). This is specially meant for those who though apparently give lot in charity but may not be accruing the expected rewards from Allah.

قَوۡلٌ مَّعۡرُوۡفٌ وَّمَغۡفِرَةٌ خَيۡرٌ مِّنۡ صَدَقَةٍ يَّتۡبَعُهَاۤ اَذًى​ؕ وَاللّٰهُ غَنِىٌّ حَلِيۡمٌ‏ 

(2:263) To speak a kind word and to forgive people’s faults is better than charity followed by hurt. Allah is All-Sufficient (Al Ghani الغنى), All-Forbearing (Al-Halim (الحليم)).

This implies two things. First, Allah does not stand in need of anybody's charity, for He is Self-Sufficient. Secondly, He likes those people who are generous and large-hearted, but does not like frivolous and narrow-minded people, for He Himself is Generous, Clement and Forbearing. How, then Allah, Who bestows on the people the necessities of life without stint, and forgives and pardons them over and over again in spite of their errors, would like those who mar the self-respect of a person by sending repeated reminders of their charity and making pointed references to it even though they might have given only a farthing.

A Tradition of the Holy Prophet says that on the Day of Resurrection, Allah will neither speak a word nor even so much as look at a person who makes pointed references to the gift, he gave to someone.  

Yusuf Ali Explanation: 

A very high standard is set for charity. (1) It must be in the way of God. (2) It must expect no reward in this world. (3) It must not be followed by references or reminders to the act of charity. (4) Still less should any annoyance or injury be caused to the recipient; e.g. by boasting that the giver relieved the person in the hour of need. Indeed, kindness and the spirit which turns a blind eye to other people's faults or short-comings is the essence of charity: these things are better than charity if charity is spoilt by tricks that do harm. At the same time, while no reward is to be expected, there is abundant reward from God - material, moral, and spiritual - according to His own good pleasure and plan. If we spend in the way of God, it is not as if God was in need of our charity. On the contrary, our short-comings are so great that we require His utmost forbearance before any good that we can do can merit His praise or reward. Our motives are so mixed that our best may really be very poor if judged by a very strict standard.

Tafsir Qur'an Wiki:

This verse reasserts the idea that a charitable act followed by wicked behaviour is worthless. A pleasant word or a kind-hearted gesture would be far more favourable and likely to spread trust, confidence and love and to calm the hearts and souls. Charity, after all, is not a favour from the giver to the recipient, but an obligation towards God who is: “free of all wants, clement.” He neither needs these pitiful donations nor is He anxious to exact punishment on the ungrateful. All people owe their very existence to God Almighty. He overlooks many of their shortcomings, and they ought to learn from Him by showing forgiveness and compassion towards the poor and the needy.

The Qur’ān always reminds people of the attributes of God, which provide the perfect ideal Muslims should try to emulate, as far as they can, in their behaviour, and in their values and aspirations.

When the previous verses have given the believers a keen sense of their role and the need to give freely, for no purpose other than to earn God’s pleasure, the sūrah advises them not to undermine their charitable deeds with condescension or by hurting other people’s feelings. Again, it gives a vivid and lively illustration from nature, in which ideas and concepts are reflected in exciting movement and vivid scenery.

So be very generous, brothers and sisters in Islam. Give out to charities, especially voluntary ones, to help people smilingly, rather than hurting them by scorn remarks after throwing a few coins on them. And remember, speaking softly to people and forgiving them for hurting you is better charity than a show-off charity or the one followed by some hurtful remarks.

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.

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.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

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.

You may read more posts on similar theme in our series of posts related to: Importance of charity in Islam

For more Selected Verses, please refer to our reference page: Selected Verses from the Qur'an. You may also refer to our Reference Pages  and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo | Tafsir References: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 

An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs of the Qur'ān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.  

In order to augment and add more explanation as already provided, additional input has been interjected from the following sources: 

• Tafsir Ibn Khatir
• Muhammad Asad Translation
• Yusuf Ali Translation
• Translation Javed Ahmad Ghamidi / Al Mawrid
• Qur'an Wiki
• Towards Understanding the Quran

In addition, references of other sources which have been explored have also been given above. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references 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.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Read More

Selected verses from Qur'an on Importance of Charity in Islam

Islam is not only name of a religion but a complete code of life for it addresses all social issues and recommends their solution. That is why it emphasizes the need to take care of the poor. Although no two are men are blessed equally, the majority is composed of the poor, in terms of means of sustenance, lesser than the others. This makes a test case for the rich to take care of the poor and test case for the poor to test their patience, called Sabr in Arabic.

Thus, for helping the poor, Islam has institutionalized the distribution of wealth in the form of obligatory charity, called Zakat, and voluntary alms called Sadakat. Owing to its importance, Zakat is placed at third place among the Five Pillars of Islam, and comes best after the declaration of faith (shahada) and prayer (salat). Therefore, being charitable and looking after the weak and poor assume an essential duty of each Muslim. 

In Surah Adh-Dhariyat, Ayat 19, it has been said: In their wealth there is a right of the beggar and the needy. And in 24-25th verses of Surah 70. Al-Ma'arij it is said that in their wealth there is a due share of the beggar and the needy. Thus, by giving charity, every Muslim fulfills his duty to those in need.

Before our readers go over to selected verses on Charity from Qur'an, we would like them to read our introductory post on importance of charity in Islam:

• Concept of charity in Islam
• What is the importance of charity in Islam
• Test of charity in Islam
• Who are the rightful beneficiary of charity in Islam
• Charity: Who to give
• Zakat: Mandatory charitable contribution
• Who are the rightful recipients of Zakat (charity) 
• Wholehearted charity adds to Baraka in Ramadan
• Charity: The virtue of visiting the sick

Herein under we have combined all these posts as a ready reckoner to consult verses specific to charity and spending in the way of Allah:

• Charity: Who to Give? (2:215)
• O you who believe! Spend out of what We have provided you, lest .....(Surah 2. Al-Baqara:254)
• What is better than charity (Surah 2. Al-Baqara:263)
• Believers should Never Nullify their Acts of Charity (Surah 2. Al-Baqara:264)
• Believers! Spend (in the Way of Allah) out of the good things you have earned (Surah 2. Al-Baqara:267)
• How can you secure immense reward with your Lord (Surah 2. Al-Baqara:274)
• A caution for those who do not spend for the cause of Allah (Surah 3. Al-i'Imran:180)
• A painful torments awaits for those who hoard and spend not in the way of Allah (9:34)
• Allah is sufficient for me; there is no god but He (Surah 9. At-Tauba:129)
• Establishment of Prayer and Giving Out Charity (Surah 14. Ibrahim:31)
• Believers!! Do not be Parsimonious (Surah 17. Al-Israa (The Night Journey)-29)
• Seek an abode in the Hereafter -but forget not your share in this world (Surah 28. Al-Qasas:77)
• How is it that you do not expend in the Way of Allah (Surah 57. Al-Hadid:10)
• Give Charity and give good loan to Allah (Surah 57. Al-Hadid:18)
• And spend [in the way of Allah] before death approaches you (Surah 63. Al-Munafiqun:10)
• Give goodly loan to Allah - He will increase it several fold (Surah 64. At-Tagabun:17)

 We will keep adding more verses so as to make this collection wholesome.

For compiled verses for more specific subjects, please refer to our exclusive reference page: "Selected verses from Al-Qurʾān about a specific subject."

In addition, for more Selected Verses, please refer to our reference page: Selected Verses from the Qur'an. You may also refer to our Reference Pages and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

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.

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.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

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.

Photo | 

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on Social Media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Read More