Answered by: Fadhīlat al-Bāḥith Kāmrān Ilāhī Ẓahīr (ḥafiẓahullāh) & Fadhīlat al-Bāḥith Abū Haytham Nuʿmān Khalīq (ḥafiẓahullāh)
❖ Question:
Is the ḥadīth authentic which implies that money spent in the path of Allah can also be spent on siblings and guests?
❖ Explanation in Light of the Qur’an and Sunnah:
Sayyidunā Ḥakīm ibn Ḥizām (رضي الله عنه) narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“The upper hand is better than the lower hand, and begin (spending) with those under your care. The best charity is what is given while a person is self-sufficient. Whoever seeks to remain chaste, Allah will protect his chastity, and whoever seeks independence, Allah will make him self-sufficient.”
[Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 1427]
Similarly, in Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim:
“The best charity is what is given while one is still financially stable. The upper hand is better than the lower hand, and begin with those under your care.”
[Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: 1034]
❖ Explanation Through Other Aḥādīth:
Sayyidunā Jābir ibn ʿAbdullāh (رضي الله عنه) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“Begin with yourself—give charity to your own self. If anything remains, then to your family. If anything remains after them, then to your close relatives. If something still remains, then spend it here and there.”
[Sunan al-Nasā’ī: 2548]
❖ Summary of Key Points:
➊ First right belongs to one’s dependents:
A person is first responsible for fulfilling the needs of himself and his dependents.
➋ Importance of relatives:
Close relatives should be prioritized in acts of charity and generosity.
➌ Consideration of financial status:
While giving charity, one must consider their financial ability to ensure that neither he nor his family is left in need.
➍ Hospitality and spending on relatives:
Spending on guests and family members is also counted as virtuous and meritorious charity.
❖ Conclusion:
✔ Spending on others is commendable, but family, close relatives, and dependents take precedence.
✔ Spending on one’s household is the best form of charity, as affirmed by multiple authentic narrations.
✔ Charity begins at home, and this does not diminish its reward in the sight of Allah.
And Allah knows best.
