Author: Dr. Muhammad Zia-ur-Rahman Azmi (رحمه الله)
Chapter: Refraining Oneself from Evil is Charity
He reported:
"I asked the Prophet (ﷺ): 'Which deed is the best?' He said: 'Faith in Allah and striving in His cause.' I asked: 'Which slave is the best to free?' He replied: 'The one who is the most valuable and precious to his owner.' I asked: 'If I cannot do that?' He said: 'Help a laborer or assist someone who is unable to work.' I asked: 'What if I cannot do that?' He replied: 'Keep people safe from your evil; that is a charity you do for yourself.'"
[Agreed upon: Bukhari (2518), Muslim (84)]
❀ Narration by Abu Musa Al-Ash'ari (رضي الله عنه):
He reported:
"The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'It is obligatory for every Muslim to give charity.' They said: 'What if he does not have anything to give?' He replied: 'Let him work with his hands to benefit himself and give in charity.' They asked: 'What if he is unable to work?' He said: 'Help someone in dire need.' They asked: 'What if he cannot do that?' He said: 'Command what is good.' They asked: 'What if he cannot do that either?' He replied: 'Then refrain from evil, for that is also a charity for yourself.' "
[Agreed upon: Bukhari (6022), Muslim (1000)]
❀ Narration by Abu Hurairah (رضي الله عنه):
He reported:
"A man came to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and asked: 'O Prophet of Allah! Which deed is most virtuous?' He replied: 'Faith in Allah and striving in His cause.' The man asked: 'What if I cannot do that?' He said: 'Free a slave who is the most valuable and dear to his master.' The man asked: 'What if I cannot do that?' He said: 'Assist someone in need or help an unskilled person.' The man asked: 'What if I cannot do that either?' The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'Then restrain yourself from evil, for that is a form of charity you do for yourself.' "
[Hasan: Ahmad (9038)]
Chapter: Refraining Oneself from Evil is Charity
The Virtue of Avoiding Harmful Actions
Islam teaches that refraining from evil acts and preventing harm to others is not only a moral obligation but also a form of charity. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasized this through several sayings, offering practical advice on how everyone can contribute positively to society, even if through self-restraint.Examples from Hadith
❀ Narration by Abu Dharr (رضي الله عنه):He reported:
"I asked the Prophet (ﷺ): 'Which deed is the best?' He said: 'Faith in Allah and striving in His cause.' I asked: 'Which slave is the best to free?' He replied: 'The one who is the most valuable and precious to his owner.' I asked: 'If I cannot do that?' He said: 'Help a laborer or assist someone who is unable to work.' I asked: 'What if I cannot do that?' He replied: 'Keep people safe from your evil; that is a charity you do for yourself.'"
[Agreed upon: Bukhari (2518), Muslim (84)]
❀ Narration by Abu Musa Al-Ash'ari (رضي الله عنه):
He reported:
"The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'It is obligatory for every Muslim to give charity.' They said: 'What if he does not have anything to give?' He replied: 'Let him work with his hands to benefit himself and give in charity.' They asked: 'What if he is unable to work?' He said: 'Help someone in dire need.' They asked: 'What if he cannot do that?' He said: 'Command what is good.' They asked: 'What if he cannot do that either?' He replied: 'Then refrain from evil, for that is also a charity for yourself.' "
[Agreed upon: Bukhari (6022), Muslim (1000)]
❀ Narration by Abu Hurairah (رضي الله عنه):
He reported:
"A man came to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and asked: 'O Prophet of Allah! Which deed is most virtuous?' He replied: 'Faith in Allah and striving in His cause.' The man asked: 'What if I cannot do that?' He said: 'Free a slave who is the most valuable and dear to his master.' The man asked: 'What if I cannot do that?' He said: 'Assist someone in need or help an unskilled person.' The man asked: 'What if I cannot do that either?' The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'Then restrain yourself from evil, for that is a form of charity you do for yourself.' "
[Hasan: Ahmad (9038)]
Key Lessons
- Prioritization of Actions:
- Faith in Allah and striving in His cause are the highest forms of deeds.
- However, when these cannot be achieved, Islam provides alternate ways to earn rewards, including helping others or refraining from causing harm.
- Charity Beyond Wealth:
- Charity is not limited to monetary contributions. Assisting others physically or even practicing self-restraint is equally meritorious.
- Preventing Harm as a Duty:
- By refraining from evil, one not only protects others but also earns spiritual rewards, highlighting the dual benefit of this practice.
- Inclusivity of Good Deeds:
- Islam offers opportunities for everyone to contribute positively, irrespective of their financial or physical capabilities.