.
Showing posts with label Sadaqah. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sadaqah. Show all posts

Wednesday, 18 September 2024

The Prophetic Wisdom behind advising women to give alms (Hadith Prophet Muhammad ﷺ)

Today we share a Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ which is carry an advice for women only. Women are generally involved in slandering and cursing, and gossiping and backbiting, may be not as an ill will, but just as a habit of gossiping.

Before we share the Hadith and the Prophetic Advice, let it be mentioned that this hadith has been the subject of considerable discussion and interpretation. Thus it is essential to approach it within the broader context of Islamic teachings and the social context of the time. The statements of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in this hadith are not meant to degrade women but rather to highlight certain religious and legal rulings and to encourage self-reflection, especially in terms of gratitude, charity, and behavior.

The Hadith is mentioned in Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī  (Book 6 Menstrual Periods كتاب الحيض/ Chapter 6: A menstruating women should leave observing Saum (fasting) باب تَرْكِ الْحَائِضِ الصَّوْمَ) as Hadith 304 and also found in Jami` at-Tirmidhi  (Book # 40 The Book on Faith كتاب الإيمان عن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم/ Chapter # 6 Regarding the Completion of Faith, Its Increasing And Decreasing باب مَا جَاءَ فِي اسْتِكْمَالِ الإِيمَانِ وَزِيَادَتِهِ وَنُقْصَانِهِ ‏) as Hadith number # 2613:

Narrated by Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri:

حَدَّثَنَا سَعِيدُ بْنُ أَبِي مَرْيَمَ، قَالَ أَخْبَرَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ جَعْفَرٍ، قَالَ أَخْبَرَنِي زَيْدٌ ـ هُوَ ابْنُ أَسْلَمَ ـ عَنْ عِيَاضِ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ، عَنْ أَبِي سَعِيدٍ الْخُدْرِيِّ، قَالَ خَرَجَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم فِي أَضْحًى ـ أَوْ فِطْرٍ ـ إِلَى الْمُصَلَّى، فَمَرَّ عَلَى النِّسَاءِ فَقَالَ ‏"‏ يَا مَعْشَرَ النِّسَاءِ تَصَدَّقْنَ، فَإِنِّي أُرِيتُكُنَّ أَكْثَرَ أَهْلِ النَّارِ ‏"‏‏.‏ فَقُلْنَ وَبِمَ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ قَالَ ‏"‏ تُكْثِرْنَ اللَّعْنَ، وَتَكْفُرْنَ الْعَشِيرَ، مَا رَأَيْتُ مِنْ نَاقِصَاتِ عَقْلٍ وَدِينٍ أَذْهَبَ لِلُبِّ الرَّجُلِ الْحَازِمِ مِنْ إِحْدَاكُنَّ ‏"‏‏.‏ قُلْنَ وَمَا نُقْصَانُ دِينِنَا وَعَقْلِنَا يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ قَالَ ‏"‏ أَلَيْسَ شَهَادَةُ الْمَرْأَةِ مِثْلَ نِصْفِ شَهَادَةِ الرَّجُلِ ‏"‏‏.‏ قُلْنَ بَلَى‏.‏ قَالَ ‏"‏ فَذَلِكَ مِنْ نُقْصَانِ عَقْلِهَا، أَلَيْسَ إِذَا حَاضَتْ لَمْ تُصَلِّ وَلَمْ تَصُمْ ‏"‏‏.‏ قُلْنَ بَلَى‏.‏ قَالَ ‏"‏ فَذَلِكَ مِنْ نُقْصَانِ دِينِهَا ‏"‏‏.

Once Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) went out to the Musalla (to offer the prayer) of `Id-al-Adha or Al-Fitr prayer. Then he passed by the women and said, "O women! Give alms, as I have seen that the majority of the dwellers of Hell-fire were you (women)." They asked, "Why is it so, O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)?" He replied, "You curse frequently and are ungrateful to your husbands. I have not seen anyone more deficient in intelligence and religion than you. A cautious sensible man could be led astray by some of you." The women asked, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! What is deficient in our intelligence and religion?" He said, "Is not the evidence of two women equal to the witness of one man?" They replied in the affirmative. He said, "This is the deficiency in her intelligence. Isn't it true that a woman can neither pray nor fast during her menses?" The women replied in the affirmative. He said, "This is the deficiency in her religion."

Explanation of Key Points in the Hadith
  • "Majority of the Dwellers of Hell are Women":
    • This part of the hadith can be understood as a warning to women, emphasizing the importance of rectifying common behavioral tendencies such as cursing and being ungrateful. It is not a condemnation of all women but rather a call for moral and spiritual improvement. 
    • In Islam, both men and women are individually accountable for their deeds, and everyone is encouraged to seek forgiveness and righteousness. Other hadith emphasize that the majority of the dwellers of Paradise are women, showing that spiritual standing is based on deeds, not gender.
  • Frequent Cursing and Ingratitude to Husbands:
    • The Prophet ﷺ points out two specific behaviors that can be spiritually harmful: excessive cursing and ingratitude, particularly within marital relationships. Gratitude and good character are highly emphasized in Islam for both men and women, and marriage is seen as a relationship of mutual respect and responsibility.
    • This criticism should be seen in the context of encouraging improvement in character and behavior. Islam teaches that husbands and wives should treat each other with kindness and gratitude (Qur'an, Surah An-Nisa 4:19), and both genders are called to good conduct.
  • "Deficiency in Intelligence" – Reference to Testimony:
    • The Prophet ﷺ refers to the legal rule in Islamic law (fiqh) that in certain financial or legal matters, the testimony of two women is required to equal that of one man (Qur'an, Surah Al-Baqarah 2:282). This is often understood in the context of social realities at the time, where women generally had less exposure to financial and legal dealings.
    • The "deficiency" in intelligence mentioned here is not a statement about women’s overall intellectual capacity but refers to specific contexts where women’s testimony is weighed differently due to the conditions of that era. Many scholars explain that this ruling reflects practical considerations and does not imply inherent inferiority.
  • "Deficiency in Religion" – Reference to Menstruation:
    • During menstruation, women are exempt from performing certain acts of worship, such as prayer and fasting (Qur'an, Surah Al-Baqarah 2:222). This exemption is seen as a concession, not a sign of spiritual deficiency. The Prophet ﷺ describes it as "deficiency in religion" in the sense that women have fewer opportunities for ritual acts of worship during that time.
    • Importantly, this "deficiency" is not a moral or spiritual flaw, but a recognition of the physical limitations during menstruation, for which women are not held accountable. Their spirituality and faith are assessed by their overall deeds, intentions, and actions, not by temporary exemptions from prayer or fasting.
Broader Context in the Qur'an and Sunnah
  • Equality in Spiritual Responsibility:
    • The Qur'an emphasizes that men and women are spiritually equal and will be judged based on their actions, not their gender. In Surah Al-Ahzab (33:35), Allah says: "Indeed, the Muslim men and Muslim women, the believing men and believing women...for them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a great reward."
    • This reinforces that the hadith should be understood within a larger framework of equality, where both men and women are encouraged to strive for righteousness.
  • Encouragement of Charity:  The Prophet ﷺ encourages the women to give alms (Sadaqah) as a way to atone for sins and seek nearness to Allah. Charity is one of the most important acts in Islam, and women are being reminded of its spiritual benefits.
This hadith is not meant to diminish women but serves as a reminder for all to reflect on their behavior, give charity, and strive for self-improvement. The references to "deficiency" are contextual and should be understood in the light of specific rulings related to testimony and menstruation, not as a general comment on women's worth or capabilities. The Qur'an and other hadiths make it clear that both men and women are fully capable of attaining spiritual excellence and are judged by their faith, intentions, and actions.
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 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: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about 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 below. 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.
Photo | Source of Hadith | Resource References: | 1 | 2 |

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

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.

Wednesday, 22 March 2023

Understanding Concept of Sadaqah (Voluntary charity) in Islam - And its many forms

No two men are born equal in status and number of blessings including wealth. In fact, the balance tilts heavily on the part of the Have NOTs and while the rich and wealthy are in comparatively smaller i number as compared to the poor and the needy. The giving alms and charity is generally given out by the philanthropists and people with a God earing heart, Islam lays much emphasis on dolling out part of the wealth both as obligation (Zakat) and charity (Sadaqah) to help the needy and to strike a somewhat balance in an Islamic society.

We have already written many posts on Zakat and Sadaqah previously, today's post is restricted only to Sadaqah and its various forms, which otherwise is misunderstood to be restricted to monetary assistance or help only. Generally speaking, Sadaqah (Arabic: صدقة ] (plural ṣadaqāt صدقات) - (plural ṣadaqāt صدقات) can be translated as "voluntary charity or benevolence". But it is not restricted to monetary assistance only. As against Zakat (obligatory charity) which has a minimum fixed amoun to be paid on one's wealth held in one's possession over a period of one year, there are no upper and lower limits as far as Sadaqah is concerned. Thus, unlike Zakat, which is collected by the muhtasib (collector) or the government, Sadaqah is the discretion of an individual, who is free to give it to whom he considers most appropriate for it. 
Understanding literally, the term 'Sadaqah' stems from the Arabic root word ‘sidq’ (s-d-q) ص د ق, which means sincerity and it is considered as a sign of sincere faith. The three-letter root of this word, S-D-Q, also means, "to speak the truth," "to be sincere," and "to fulfill one's promise." All of these aspects of honorable behavior indicate the links between generosity and a healthy society. [1]
Sadaqah thus leads to the purification of the benefactor.  Allah says in Qur'an (Surat 63. Al-Munāfiqūn, verse 10): And spend [in the way of Allah from what We have provided you before death approaches one of you and he says, "My Lord, if only You would delay me for a brief term so I would give charity and be among the righteous." 

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ too has highlighted the need of giving Sadaqah as been quoted in number of Hadiths: 
"Save yourself from Hell-fire even by giving half a date-fruit in charity." (Sahi Bokhari: 1417)
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also said “Sadaqah extinguishes sin as water extinguishes fire” (Hadith, Tirmidhi). He also said that Allah offers relief on the Day of Judgement for those who give sadaqa: “The believer's shade on the Day of Resurrection will be their charity” (Hadith, Tirmidhi). 

The above quoted Hadiths clearly shows the importance of Sadaqah as by giving out even half a date in charity, one can save himself from the fire and chastisement of hell.  

There are no specific days or times to give Sadaqat as being a voluntary act, one could give Sadaqah as and when someone is seen in distress. However, it has been narraed by Ka'b (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet ﷺ said, “Giving Sadaqah on Friday is better than giving it on any other day of the week”.

Etiquette of giving Sadaqah: Since Sadaqah is purely a voluntary act and undertaken at individual level, following must be borne in mind so that the sole purpose of Sadaqah should only be to please Allah and no one else and be not be act of show off. 

  • Sadaqah should be from one's legitimate possessions and property.
  • According to Qur'an 2:274 [Those who spend their wealth in charity day and night, secretly and openly—their reward is with their Lord, and there will be no fear for them, nor will they grieve.]  It is better to offer Sadaqah in secret. Although it is better to give Sadaqah in private, it should only be given openly not to project one's benevolence but to encourage others to follow suit and help the needy.
  • Sadaqah should not be accompanied by reproaching the person who is given the Sadaqah. It is often seen men posing with the receiver and then displaying photos of acct of charity as a show off. 
  • Sadaqah should be out of pure intentions for God.
  • Sadaqah should be from possessions you love: This is very important. give out a part form something you love the most. Sadaqah should not be from the throw aways or the not needed stuff. 
Forms of Sadaqah: While giving out charity in cash is one of the major forms of Sadaqah, but should that mean that anyone who is already resource starved and in need of Sadaqah himself cannot give Sadaqah? This is the beauty of Islam that it provides umpteen opportunities to everyone to please Allah in number of forms even if one is empty pocketed, but not empty hearted. Herein under are some of the forms that fall under the category of Sadaqah besides alms and charity in cash:
  • If one sees one of his brethren in distress or comes across someone from whom one receives charity and has nothing to give in return, he should make a Dua/supplication for him. Praying for someone's benefit is one of the most liked actions of a believer by Allah. So let not any opportunity be slip by to please Allah by just thinking good of others and praying to ease out sufferings of someone. That is if we see people sick, or hit by natural calamities like floods and earthquakes, if we cannot help, we can pray for them. 
  • Stopping the Evil: The world is not a level playing field for everyone. There are many hard to crack nuts that make the lives of others miserable and unlivable. Every believer must therefore try his best to stop the evil of the arrogant and wicked to save the weak and meek from their evil intentions and acts. If one cannot stop evil, at least he should in his heart condemn it. But that is the lowest level of faith.
  • One should be forthcoming in Easing the life of others. For example, if one comes across a hurdle or a blockage in a road or track that may obstruct one's free use of it, one should try to remove that obstruction. 
  • One may be empty pocketed but may have knowledge, especially that of Qur'an and Hadith. Thus, one must spread whatever good knowledge one has to educate others, especially those who cannot afford formal schooling. Here it must be remembered that the knowledge so shared be with good intention and not to pollute someone's mind and thoughts like spreading porn material to disorient someone and put him on the evil path. The sharing of knowledge may be orally one to one or through speeches and lectures to larger audiences, through pen or audio/video lectures.
  • Helping someone who is in distress is one of the most noble casue and an act most liked by Allah. This may take form of solving problems of the poor by mobilizing our own resources as well as that of the community to ease others' sufferings. Or if one knows someone who help, request him to help the one in distress.
  • Noble Upbringing of one's children in an atmosphere as enunciated by Divine commandments in Qur'an and Hadiths of the Prophet of Allah.
  • Giving an appropriate Advice to someone in need of it is also a form of charity for just like removing an obstruction from the blocked way, a well-intended good advice may help someone to solve one's problem.
  • Greet everyone with a smile and positive framework of mind: Greeting others with a smile can have a very refreshing effect on others, especially when someone is down or in depression. Such a gesture may elevate one's spirits and bring him back to life. No matter how tired is one spouse after a hard day's work, when he/she enters the house, he/she must bear a wide smile for the waiting spouse and children - and so should the ones in the house so that both forget the hardships of the day and a healthy and happy evening befalls upon them.
  • Mutual respect is also a form of Sadaqah. No matter if one is less gifted or smaller in age, the others must be respected without any trace of arrogance or contempt
  • Being part of others' happiness: Envy is one of the sins that can rob not only one's peace of mind when seeing others happy and contented, but can also break relations. Everyone has its share from Allah and no one can rob the others of what is destined for them. It is thus better to be part of the good times and happiness of others, while praying for good times for himself.
  • Forgive others much too often. If someone has harmed you, try not to strike back, but try to admonish in as soft and humble words as possible. Such attitudes can humble even the toughest of hearts and may melt them like wax of a candle.
  • Give time to your family and friends. We generally remain much too busy in our office commitments and other business activities. This robs us of time that we should have kept for our parents, wife and children and friends. Remember, time lost can never be made up. Our share of time for them brings happiness to our near and dear ones. Looking after one's family is advised in Qur'an and often stressed upon by the Prophet of Allah.
  • Patiance: Patiance is one the most difficult feats to accomplish, especially when one is hit with the hard times and misfortunes. But only those who have firm belief in Allah know that these are the testing times and something better is around the corner for Allah does not leave His believing servants in distress beyond their capacity to endure.
Please watch the video below which lists down 17 types of Sadaqat that cost nothing, but are much yielding both in blessing of Allah and rewards in the life of the Hereafter:
Let us not shy away from even very little acts of charity. Who knows even a smaller act on our part may become a matter of salvation on the Day of Resurrection and help us from the hellfire. But remember, whatever act or form of charity we undertake, it should be with the intention of pleasing Allah and no one else.
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. 

Photo | references: | 1 | 2 | 3 |

For more Q&A about Understanding Islam, please refer to our reference page: Understanding Islam - Frequently asked Q&A

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

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 Holy Qur'an - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Twitter Delicious Facebook Digg Stumbleupon Favorites More