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.
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