❖ The Concept of Al-‘Afw and the Rulings on Surplus Wealth ❖
✍ Fatwa by: Fadhilat al-Bahith Kamran Ilahi Zaheer ḥafiẓahullāh & Fadhilat al-‘Ālim Fahd Ansari ḥafiẓahullāh
◈ Question
What is the correct (rājiḥ) interpretation of the term “al-‘afw”?
Does it refer to surplus wealth or to preferred (beloved) possessions?
And is it correct to say that we have no right over our surplus wealth and that it must be spent in the path of Allah?
◈ The Meaning of Al-‘Afw: Linguistic and Shar‘i Definitions
The term “al-‘afw” has two authentic interpretations, both of which are supported by the Qur’an and Sunnah:
① Preferred Wealth (المال المحبوب)
According to Imam al-Qāmūs, al-‘afw means:
“خِيَارُ الشَّيْءِ وَأَجْوَدُهُ“
“The finest and most preferred part of a thing.”
✔ Based on this meaning, the best and most beloved wealth should be spent in the way of Allah.
② Surplus Wealth (المال الزائد عن الحاجة)
The second interpretation refers to wealth that exceeds a person’s essential needs and family requirements.
Such wealth is recommended to be spent in Allah’s path.
✔ This interpretation is supported by numerous statements from the Salaf:
◈ Statements from the Early Scholars
- Imam Ṭāwūs رحمه الله:
One should regularly spend small portions of wealth in the path of Allah. - Imam Rabī‘ رحمه الله:
The best and finest wealth should be spent for the sake of Allah. - Imam Hasan al-Baṣrī رحمه الله:
One should give from wealth in such a way that he himself does not fall into need afterward.
◈ Clarification in the Light of Hadith
❀ On the Use of Surplus Wealth
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“He who has extra provisions should give to him who has none,
and he who has an extra mount should help him who has no mount.”
(Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: 1728)
✔ This Hadith shows that spending surplus wealth is a recommended (mustaḥabb) and virtuous act.
❀ On Spending Beloved Wealth
Allah ﷻ states in the Qur’an:
“لَنۡ تَنَالُوا الۡبِرَّ حَتّٰى تُنۡفِقُوۡا مِمَّا تُحِبُّوۡنَ“
“You shall never attain righteousness until you spend from that which you love.”
(Sūrah Āl ‘Imrān: 92)
✔ Spending one’s beloved wealth is a sign of true piety and devotion.
◈ Legal Ruling and Virtue
✔ Surplus Wealth:
Spending surplus wealth is a recommended (mustaḥabb) and virtuous act, but not obligatory.
- The zakāh system within Islamic law demonstrates that keeping surplus wealth is permissible, provided that its obligatory dues are paid.
✔ Preferred + Surplus Wealth:
If the wealth is both beloved and surplus, then spending it multiplies the reward.
◈ The Strongest (Rājiḥ) Position
- Both interpretations of al-‘afw—preferred wealth and surplus wealth—are valid and supported by the Qur’an and Sunnah.
- It is incorrect to assert unconditionally that one has no right over surplus wealth, because Islamic law permits ownership of surplus wealth as long as zakāh and other obligations are fulfilled.
- The view that surplus wealth must always be given away leans toward a socialist ideology, which has proven to be a failed system in practice.
✔ Islam promotes a balanced system that aligns with human nature—encouraging generosity without enforcing compulsion.
◈ Summary
✔ Al-‘afw holds two correct meanings:
➤ Preferred wealth
➤ Surplus wealth
✔ Spending surplus wealth in Allah’s path is commendable and virtuous, but not obligatory.
✔ Islamic law recognizes the right to possess wealth, with zakāh and voluntary charity being the means to help the needy.
✔ Islam’s approach is balanced, promoting virtue without coercion.
