This excerpt is taken from Sheikh Abdullah Yusuf Dhahabi's book Virtues of Charity.
The Importance and Status of Charity
It is narrated from Sayyidina Abu Musa Al-Ash'ari (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: ”على كل مسلم صدقة“ "It is (obligatory) for every Muslim to give charity." The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) said: What if he does not have the ability? He said: ”فليعمل بيديه فينفع نفسه ويتصدق“ "He should earn with his own hands, benefit himself, and give charity." They said: What if he is not able to do that or cannot afford it? He said: ”فيعين ذا الحاجة الملهوف“ "He should help a needy and helpless person." They said: What if he cannot do that? He said: "فَيَأْمُرْ بِالْخَيْرِ" "He should command good." They said: What if he cannot do that either? He said: ”فيمسك عن الشر فإنه له صدقة“ "He should refrain from evil, for that is also charity for him."
Reference: Sahih Bukhari: 6022, Sahih Muslim: 1008
❀ The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
إن ظل المؤمن يوم القيامة صدقته
"Indeed, on the Day of Resurrection, the shade of a believer will be his charity."
Reference: Sahih, Musnad Ahmad: 4/233; Ibn Khuzaymah: 2432, 2431
This means that on the Day of Resurrection, the charity of a believer will be like a shade that protects him from the severity and heat of the Day of Judgment. See Mirqat Al-Mafatih. The one who spends wealth is better and superior in this regard as he is among the givers, not the takers, and the Noble Prophet (peace be upon him) has declared the giver to be better. The hand that is always above is the one that spends on people and does not ask anyone or extend his hand before anyone.
Sayyidina Abdullah bin Umar (may Allah be pleased with them) reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
اليد العليا خير من اليد السفلى فاليد العليا هي المنفقة والسفلى هي السائلة
"The upper hand is better than the lower hand. The upper hand is the hand of the spender, and the lower hand is the hand of the beggar."
Reference: Sahih Bukhari: 1429, Sahih Muslim: 1033
The person who gives charity is so beloved to Allah and His Messenger that you have declared such a person to be worthy of envy.
Sayyidina Abdullah bin Umar (may Allah be pleased with them) narrated that the Noble Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
لا حسد إلا فى اثنتين رجل آتاه الله القرآن فهو يتلوه آناء الليل وآناء النهار ورجل آتاه الله مالا فهو ينفقه آناء الليل وآناء النهار
"Envy is only permissible for two men: one is the man whom Allah has given the Quran, and he stands with it during the hours of the night and day; and the other is the man whom Allah has given wealth, and he spends it in His cause during the hours of the night and day."
Reference: Sahih Bukhari: 7529, Sahih Muslim: 815
The Reward and Virtue of Charity
Those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah receive a great reward, and it can be said that the manner in which the reward for spending in the way of Allah is described in the Qur'anic verses and Prophetic traditions is not found for any other good deed. Please consider a few verses and hadiths.
❀ Allah, the Owner of the Kingdom, says:
مَثَلُ الَّذِينَ يُنْفِقُونَ أَمْوَالَهُمْ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ كَمَثَلِ حَبَّةٍ أَنْبَتَتْ سَبْعَ سَنَابِلَ فِي كُلِّ سُنْبُلَةٍ مِائَةُ حَبَّةٍ وَاللَّهُ يُضْعِفُ لِمَنْ يَشَاءُ وَاللَّهُ وَاسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ
Reference: (2-Al-Baqarah:261)
The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed that sprouts seven ears; in every ear, there are a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And Allah is All-Encompassing and Knowing." The explanation of this example is that just as one seed planted in the ground yields seven hundred seeds in ears, similarly, whoever spends anything in the way of Allah, Allah grants him a reward of seven hundred times. This is the same point made by the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, in a hadith.
It is narrated from Khuraim bin Fatik, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said:
من أنفق نفقة فى سبيل الله كتبت له بسبع مائة ضعف
Whoever spends anything in the way of Allah, it is recorded for him as multiplied up to seven hundred times.
Reference: Sunan al-Tirmidhi: 1625, Sunan al-Nasa'i: 3186, and its chain is good
Sayyidina Abu Mas'ud, may Allah be pleased with him, narrates that a man came to the Noble Prophet, peace be upon him, with a she-camel that was pregnant. He said: O Messenger of Allah! This she-camel is dedicated in the way of Allah. The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said:
لك بها يوم القيامة سبعمائة ناقة كلها مخطومة
You will receive seven she-camels, each pregnant, in return on the Day of Resurrection."
Reference: Sahih Muslim: 1892
In some verses, Allah, the Exalted, has declared charity as a loan and has demanded a loan from His servants, then promised that whoever gives Allah a loan, He will return it many times over. The return can be in the form of wealth or in the form of reward.
إِنَّ الْمُصَّدِّقِينَ وَالْمُصَّدِّقَاتِ وَأَقْرَضُوا اللَّهَ قَرْضًا حَسَنًا يُضَاعَفُ لَهُمْ وَلَهُمْ أَجْرٌ كَرِيمٌ
Reference: (2-Al-Baqarah:245)
Who is it that will lend Allah a goodly loan, so He may multiply it for him many times?
In another place, He says:
إِنَّ الْمُصَّدِّقِينَ وَالْمُصَّدِّقَاتِ وَأَقْرَضُوا اللَّهَ قَرْضًا حَسَنًا يُضَاعَفُ لَهُمْ وَلَهُمْ أَجْرٌ كَرِيمٌ
Reference: (57-Al-Hadid:18)
Indeed, the male and female charitable ones, and those who have given Allah a goodly loan, will have it multiplied for them, and they will have a noble reward.
Some hadiths indicate that the wealth a person spends in the way of Allah is increased by Allah, nurtured until it becomes as large as a mountain. This is evidence of the abundance of the reward for charity.
It is narrated from Sayyidina Abu Huraira, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said:
من تصدق بعدل تمرة من كسب طيب ولا يقبل الله إلا الطيب وإن الله يتقبلها بيمينه ثم يربيها لصاحبه كما يربي أحدكم فلوه حتى تكون مثل الجبل
Whoever gives in charity the equivalent of a date from lawful earnings—and Allah only accepts lawful earnings—Allah accepts it with His right hand, then He nurtures it for the one who gives charity just as one of you raises his young animal until it grows to be as large as a mountain.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 1410; Sahih Muslim: 1014
❀ Furthermore, Allah, the Exalted, has said:
يَمْحَقُ اللَّهُ الرِّبَا وَيُرْبِي الصَّدَقَاتِ
Reference: (2-Al-Baqarah:276)
Allah eliminates usury and increases charities.
The Means of Forgiveness for Sins
Allah, the Lord of Glory, has stated a rule and principle in the Holy Quran that good deeds erase sins.
❀ The command of Allah, the Exalted:
إِنَّ الْحَسَنَاتِ يُذْهِبْنَ السَّيِّئَاتِ
Reference: (11-Hud:114)
Indeed, good deeds remove (the effects of) evil deeds.
In the same way, the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said:
واتبع السيئة الحسنة تمحها
After committing a sin, perform a good deed, for a good deed will erase the bad deed.
Reference: Sahih Sunan al-Tirmidhi: 1987
This principle is general for all kinds of good deeds. Thus, whenever a Muslim performs any small or large good deed, their minor sins are continuously forgiven. Sayyidina Abdullah bin Mas'ud, may Allah be pleased with him, narrates that a man kissed a woman, and he informed the Noble Prophet, peace be upon him, about it, so Allah revealed this noble verse:
وَأَقِمِ الصَّلَاةَ طَرَفَيِ النَّهَارِ وَزُلَفًا مِّنَ اللَّيْلِ ۚ إِنَّ الْحَسَنَاتِ يُذْهِبْنَ السَّيِّئَاتِ
Reference: (11-Hud:114)
The man asked: O Messenger of Allah! Is this command specifically for me? He replied:
لجميع أمتي كلهم
This command is for all my Ummah.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 526
Charity is a great good deed, therefore, it also leads to the forgiveness of sins and is a significant means of atonement.
❀ The command of Allah, the Exalted, is:
وَسَارِعُوا إِلَىٰ مَغْفِرَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ وَجَنَّةٍ عَرْضُهَا السَّمَاوَاتُ وَالْأَرْضُ أُعِدَّتْ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ ﴿١٣٣﴾ الَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ فِي السَّرَّاءِ وَالضَّرَّاءِ وَالْكَاظِمِينَ الْغَيْظَ وَالْعَافِينَ عَنِ النَّاسِ ۗ وَاللَّهُ يُحِبُّ الْمُحْسِنِينَ ﴿١٣٤﴾
(3-آل عمران:133،134)
And race towards forgiveness from your Lord and a garden as wide as the heavens and the earth, prepared for those who fear (Allah). Those who spend in prosperity and in adversity, and who restrain anger and who pardon the people; and Allah loves the doers of good.
Consider the above verses, in the first verse Allah, the Exalted, encourages striving towards His forgiveness, and in the second verse, He first mentions those who spend in His way in both prosperity and adversity. Thus, it is clearly established from these verses that spending in the way of Allah is the best means to attain forgiveness.
It is narrated from Sayyidina Hudhayfah, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said:
فتنة الرجل فى أهله وولده وجاره تكفرها الصلاة والصدقة والمعروف
A person's trial is through his family, children, and neighbors, and prayer, charity, and good deeds serve as atonement for this trial.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 1435
On this hadith, Imam Bukhari, may Allah have mercy on him, has titled a chapter:
”باب الصدقة تكفر الخطيئة“
Charity serves as atonement for sins.
In one hadith, it is mentioned that a sinful woman gave water to a thirsty dog, and Allah forgave her because of this act.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 3321
This hadith also serves as evidence that charity is a means of forgiveness for sins. If giving water to a thirsty dog can lead to the forgiveness of sins, then spending on hungry, poor, and needy people will especially be a cause for the forgiveness of sins.
In a long hadith narrated from Mu'adh bin Jabal, may Allah be pleased with him, the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said:
والصدقة تطفئ الخطيئة كما يطفئ الماء النار
Charity erases sins just as water extinguishes fire.
Reference: Sahih Sunan Ibn Majah: 3973, Sunan al-Tirmidhi: 2616, Musnad Ahmad: 5/231
The Means of Deliverance from Trials and Afflictions
Whatever calamity or distress befalls a person is a result of their own actions. Thus, the command of Allah, the Exalted, is:
وَمَا أَصَابَكُم مِّن مُّصِيبَةٍ فَبِمَا كَسَبَتْ أَيْدِيكُمْ وَيَعْفُو عَن كَثِيرٍ
Reference: (42-الشورى:30)
And whatever affliction befalls you is due to what your own hands have earned, and He (Allah) overlooks many things.
The meaning is that when a person commits a sin, they have to endure hardships as a consequence of those sins. If a servant continues to strive to avoid sins and engages in numerous good deeds, they can attain relief from these calamities and afflictions. In this regard, charity is a very effective means. The greatest calamities and misfortunes can be averted through charity, and this charity acts as a strong wall against further calamities and protects the one who gives it.
Sayyida Aisha Siddiqah (may Allah be pleased with her) narrates that during the time of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), there was a solar eclipse, and he led the people in the prayer of eclipse, then he delivered a sermon:
إن الشمس والقمر آيتان من آيات الله لا يخسفان لموت أحد ولا لحياته فإذا رأيتم فادعوا الله وكبروا وصلوا وتصدقوا
The sun and the moon are among the signs of Allah; they do not eclipse due to the death or life of anyone. So when you see the sun eclipse, pray to Allah, declare His greatness, perform prayer, and give charity.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 1044
In this statement of yours, there is evidence that supplication, prayer, and charity avert Allah's punishment, which is why you commanded the people to perform these righteous deeds in the event of a solar eclipse.
The Cause of Blessing in Sustenance and Increase in Wealth
Giving charity is a great means of blessing in sustenance and an increase in wealth. This is proven by numerous evidences from the Book and Sunnah that the more a Muslim spends in the way of Allah, the more Allah increases his sustenance and wealth. It may seem that when a person gives from his wealth in the way of Allah, his wealth decreases, but in reality, immense blessings are included in that wealth, and Allah grants the servant more wealth and riches in this world along with the reward and recompense in the Hereafter. Therefore, the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said:
ما نقصت صدقة من مال
Charity does not decrease wealth.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 2055
Satan, who is the eternal enemy of man, prevents him from good deeds and incites him towards evils. When a Muslim intends to spend wealth in the way of Allah, Satan instills in his mind that giving charity will decrease his wealth, and he will become poor. Conversely, when this person wastes money and spends excessively on worldly matters, Satan encourages him. Allah, the Exalted, has described this deception of Satan as follows:
الشَّيْطَانُ يَعِدُكُمُ الْفَقْرَ وَيَأْمُرُكُم بِالْفَحْشَاءِ وَاللَّهُ يَعِدُكُم مَّغْفِرَةً مِّنْهُ وَفَضْلًا وَاللَّهُ وَاسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ
Reference: (2-Al-Baqarah: 268)
Satan threatens you with poverty and commands you to commit indecency, while Allah promises you His forgiveness and bounty, and Allah is All-Encompassing, All-Knowing.
Allah has beautifully explained the difference between the promises of the Merciful and the devil, that Satan prevents spending wealth in the way of Allah and incites spending wealth on sins and indecency, threatening that you will become poor if you spend in the way of Allah, while Allah, the Exalted, promises that He rewards those who spend in His way with His bounty. Now it is up to Muslims to believe in Allah's promise and spend their wealth in His way to become deserving of His grace and mercy, or to fall into the traps of Satan and refrain from spending their wealth in the way of Allah. Spending wealth in the way of Allah is a successful trade where there is only profit and no loss. It is a business in which there is only growth and no chance of loss. Any Muslim who invests his money in this business, Allah returns it to him many times over.
❀ Allah, the Exalted, says:
قُلْ إِنَّ رَبِّي يَبْسُطُ الرِّزْقَ لِمَن يَشَاءُ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ وَيَقْدِرُ لَهُ وَمَا أَنفَقْتُم مِّن شَيْءٍ فَهُوَ يُخْلِفُهُ وَهُوَ خَيْرُ الرَّازِقِينَ
Reference: (34-Saba: 39)
Say, "Indeed, my Lord expands provision for whom He wills and restricts [it]. And whatever you spend of anything, He will replace it. And He is the best of providers."
Consider that when the expansion and restriction of sustenance is in Allah's control and He is the true Provider, how can a person suffer loss by trading with Him? Rather, He has promised that whatever you spend in My way, I will return it to you.
This is also mentioned in a Qudsi Hadith. The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said that Allah, the Exalted, says:
يا ابن آدم أنفق أنفق عليك
O son of Adam! Spend, and you will be spent upon.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 4684, Sahih Muslim: 993
It is narrated from Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Noble Prophet, peace be upon him, said:
ما من يوم يصبح العباد فيه إلا ملكان ينزلان فيقول أحدهما اللهم أعط منفقا خلفا ويقول الآخر اللهم أعط ممسكا تلفا
Every day when the servant wakes up, two angels descend. One angel says, "O Allah! Compensate the one who spends," and the other says, "O Allah! Destroy the wealth of the one who withholds."
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 1442
Allah, the Exalted, grants such blessings in the sustenance of those who give charity that sometimes a person can observe that help is coming to him in unseen ways. The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, narrated the story of a man who used to spend one-third of his land's produce in the way of Allah. Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrates that the Noble Prophet, peace be upon him, said: Once a man heard a voice from a cloud in the forest saying, "Water the garden of so-and-so." The cloud moved and poured water on a stony land, filling one of the streams there. The man followed the water and found a person standing in his garden, directing the water with his spade. The man asked him, "O servant of Allah! What is your name?" He gave the same name that he had heard from the cloud. The man asked, "O servant of Allah! Why did you ask my name?" He replied, "The cloud that poured water in this garden, I heard a voice from it saying, 'Water the garden of so-and-so,' and it mentioned your name. What do you do in this garden?" He said, "Now that you have mentioned this, listen! I keep an eye on the produce of this garden; I give one-third in charity, one-third my family and I eat, and the remaining one-third I invest back in the garden."
Reference: Sahih Muslim: 2984
This is an example of a person who spends his wealth in the way of Allah and how Allah helps such people in unseen ways. Look at how the clouds come from various places to water his garden. This is not without reason but is assistance and support from Allah, the Exalted, and a reward for his generosity. Remember that those who refrain from spending their wealth in the way of Allah, who sit like snakes and never help an orphan, a poor person, or someone in need, Allah also gives them sustenance in a measured manner. The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said to Asma bint Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with her:
أنفقي ولا توعي فيوعي الله عليك ولا تحسي فيحسي الله عليك
Spend, do not count, so that you may not be counted, and do not hold back, so that Allah may not withhold from you.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 2591
The Means of Salvation from Divine Punishment and Entry into Paradise
The true success of a human being is to be saved from Hell and to enter Paradise. This is the success for which a Muslim dedicates his life and strives throughout his life. Allah Almighty has said:
مَن زُحْزِحَ عَنِ النَّارِ وَأُدْخِلَ الْجَنَّةَ فَقَدْ فَازَ
Reference: (3-آل عمران:185)
"Whoever is saved from the Fire and admitted to Paradise, he has indeed succeeded."
A great means of protection from Hell and entry into Paradise is also charity. Spending wealth in the way of Allah is not only a means of attaining Paradise but can also save one from divine punishment. This punishment could be that of Hell, the grave, or any other worldly punishment.
The following Hadith indicates that charity saves from the punishment of the grave and stands firm against the angel of punishment for the protection of the servant.
It is narrated by Sayyidina Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
إن الميت إذا وضع فى قبره إنه يسمع خفق نعالهم حين يولون عنه فإن كان مؤمنا كانت الصلاة عند رأسه وكان الصيام عن يمينه وكانت الزكاة عن شماله وكان فعل الخيرات من الصدقة والصلة والمعروف والإحسان إلى الناس عند رجليه فيؤتى من قبل رأسه فتقول الصلاة ما قبلي مدخل ثم يؤتى عن يمينه فيقول الصيام ما قبلي مدخل ثم يؤتى عن يساره فتقول الزكاة ما قبلي مدخل ثم يؤتى من قبل رجليه فتقول فعل الخيرات من الصدقة والصلة والمعروف والإحسان إلى الناس ما قبلي مدخل
When a deceased is buried in the grave, he hears the footsteps of the returning people. If the deceased is a believer, his prayer stands by his head, fasting on his right side, Zakat on his left side, and other good deeds (charity, maintaining family ties, good deeds done to people, and kindness) are at his feet. When the angel of punishment comes from the head side, the prayer says: "There is no way for you from my side." Then if he wants to come from the right side, fasting says: "There is no way for you from my side." Then if he wants to come from the left side, Zakat becomes a barrier. If he wants to come from the feet side, the other good deeds (charity, maintaining family ties, good deeds done to people, and kindness) say: "There is no way for you from our side."
Reference: Ibn Hibban: 3113; Al-Mustadrak by Al-Hakim: 1/380, No: 1403, and its chain is good
Charity is a means of protection from Hell. The following Hadith indicates this.
Sayyidina Adi bin Hatim (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
ما منكم أحد إلا سيكلمه ربه ليس بينه وبينه ترجمان فينظر أيمن منه فلا يرى إلا ما قدم من عمله وينظر بين يديه فلا يرى إلا النار تلقاء وجهه فاتقوا النار ولو بشق تمرة
Every one of you will speak with your Lord in such a way that there will be no interpreter between you and Him. He will look to his right and will see nothing except his deeds. He will look in front of him and will see nothing except Hell. So save yourselves from Hell, even if it is by giving a piece of date.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 7512, Sahih Muslim: 1016
The wording of one narration is:
من استطاع منكم أن يستتر من النار ولو بشق تمرة فليفعل
Whoever among you has the ability to save himself from Hell, even if it is by giving a piece of date, should do so.
Reference: Sahih Muslim: 1016
This means that if someone has even a piece of date to spend in the way of Allah, he should spend it and save himself from the fire of Hell.
Those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah will be safe from all kinds of fear and grief on the Day of Judgment, which clearly means that they will also be far from Hell. Allah Almighty says:
الَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ أَمْوَالَهُم بِاللَّيْلِ وَالنَّهَارِ سِرًّا وَعَلَانِيَةً فَلَهُمْ أَجْرُهُمْ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ وَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ
Reference: (2-البقرة:274)
"Those who spend their wealth in secret and openly, for them is their reward with their Lord, and there will be no fear upon them, nor will they grieve."
The Prophet (peace be upon him) advised women that their number would be greater in Hell, so if they want to save themselves from Hell, they should give charity abundantly. This is also evidence that charity is one of the best means of protection from Hell.
Sayyidina Abu Sa'id al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) went to the prayer ground on the day of Eid al-Adha or Eid al-Fitr, and he passed by the women and said:
يا معشر النساء تصدقن فإني أريتكن أكثر أهل النار
O assembly of women! Give charity, for I have seen that you are the majority in Hell.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 304
Spending in the way of Allah not only guarantees freedom from Hell but is also a great means of entering Paradise. Those who give charity will enter Paradise with great protocol, and there is a specific gate of Paradise for them, which is named ”باب الصدقة“.
Sayyidina Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
من أنفق زوجين فى سبيل الله نودي من أبواب الجنة يا عبد الله هذا خير فمن كان من أهل الصلاة دعي من باب الصلاة ومن كان من أهل الجهاد دعي من باب الجهاد ومن كان من أهل الصيام دعي من باب الريان ومن كان من أهل الصدقة دعي من باب الصدقة
Whoever spends two things in the way of Allah will be called by the angels from the gates of Paradise, saying: O servant of Allah! This gate is good. Then whoever is a prayerful person will be called from the gate of prayer, whoever fasts will be called from Bab al-Rayyan, and whoever gives charity will be called from the gate of charity.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 1897, Sahih Muslim: 1027
Proof of True Faith
❀ The command of Allah, the Exalted, is:
إِنَّمَا الْمُؤْمِنُونَ الَّذِينَ إِذَا ذُكِرَ اللَّهُ وَجِلَتْ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَإِذَا تُلِيَتْ عَلَيْهِمْ آيَاتُهُ زَادَتْهُمْ إِيمَانًا وَعَلَىٰ رَبِّهِمْ يَتَوَكَّلُونَ الَّذِينَ يُقِيمُونَ الصَّلَاةَ وَمِمَّا رَزَقْنَاهُمْ يُنفِقُونَ أُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ حَقًّا
Reference: (8-Al-Anfal:2-4)
The believers are those who, when Allah is mentioned, their hearts tremble, and when His verses are recited to them, it increases their faith, and they put their trust in their Lord. They are the ones who establish prayer and spend from what We have provided them. It is they who are the true believers.
In the above noble verses, Allah, the Exalted, has described the attributes of a true believer. One of these attributes is to spend from the wealth given by Allah. Thus, spending wealth in the way of Allah is a proof of a person's faith. This same point was expressed by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in his words:
والصدقة برهان
Charity is a proof / evidence.
Reference: Sahih Muslim: 223
Imam Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) writes in the explanation of this hadith:
معناه الصدقة حجة علىٰ إيمان فاعلها فإن المنافق يمتنع منها لكونه لا يعتقدها فمن تصدق استدل بصدقته علىٰ صدق إيمانه
Its meaning is that for the one who gives charity, the charity is a proof of his faith. Because a hypocrite does not give charity nor does he consider any benefit in charity. Therefore, whoever gives charity will have their true faith confirmed.
Reference: Sharh al-Nawawi: 3/101, Dar Ihya al-Turath al-Arabi edition
The Means of Deliverance from Sins
By giving charity, a person avoids many moral evils. In particular, one is freed from excessive love for wealth, greed, stinginess, and miserliness. It is a great achievement to save oneself from the greed and stinginess of wealth. Allah Almighty says:
وَمَن يُوقَ شُحَّ نَفْسِهِ فَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُونَ
Reference: (59-الحشر:9)
And whoever is protected from the greed of his soul, it is they who will be successful.
Loving wealth excessively and harboring desire and greed for it is not a good habit; rather, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) has declared it a cause of destruction for a person.
It is narrated from Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
تعس عبد الدينار وعبد الدرهم وعبد الخميصة إن أعطي رضي وإن لم يعط سخط تعس وانتكس وإذا شيك فلا انتقش
The servant of dirhams and dinars is destroyed, and the servant of a cloak is destroyed. If he is given something, he is pleased, and if he is not given, he becomes angry (and displeased). Such a person is doomed, and when he is pricked by a thorn, may it not be removed.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 2887
The person who spends his wealth in the way of Allah, while avoiding the greed for wealth, is also saved from this warning, and charity removes the love of wealth from a person's heart and fills it with generosity and benevolence, making him a person of high morals.
Allah, the Exalted, has stated this benefit of charity Himself, that through charity, a person remains protected from sins and also purifies his soul.
❀ Allah, the Exalted, says:
خُذْ مِنْ أَمْوَالِهِمْ صَدَقَةً تُطَهِّرُهُمْ وَتُزَكِّيهِمْ بِهَا
Reference: (9-التوبة:103)
Take alms from their wealth; by this, you will purify them and sanctify them.
Thus, by giving charity and zakat, a person avoids sins and vile morals, and it instills in him the desire to adopt good morals and righteous deeds.
Blessing for Good Deeds
❀ The command of Allah, the Exalted, is:
فَأَمَّا مَنْ أَعْطَىٰ وَاتَّقَىٰ وَصَدَّقَ بِالْحُسْنَىٰ فَسَنُيَسِّرُهُ لِلْيُسْرَىٰ
Reference: (92-Al-Lail:5-7)
So whoever gives and fears Allah and confirms the good word, We will ease him towards ease.
These verses indicate that whoever adopts three things, Allah makes it easy for him to perform every good deed and to abandon every evil deed, because he has chosen the means of ease, so Allah grants him the blessing to perform good deeds. The three things that lead to this blessing are as follows:
➊ Whoever gives, meaning he spends wealth in the way of Allah.
➋ He adopts piety.
➌ He confirms the good word, meaning he affirms La ilaha illallah and other religious beliefs and sincerely believes in them.
Reward for the One Who Gives Charity
The great virtue of charity is that the one who gives charity can earn the reward of the act without any action, simply by spending money. Just as the one who provides iftar to a fasting person receives as much reward as the fasting person. The one who prepares a warrior and provides him with supplies becomes an equal partner in the great act of jihad, even though he neither participates in the jihad himself nor endures its hardships; he simply spends his money and sits at home, yet he receives the reward of jihad.
❀ The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
من جهز غازيا فقد غزا ومن خلف غازيا فى سبيل الله بخير فقد غزا
Whoever provides supplies to a warrior is as if he himself participated in the battle, and whoever takes care of the warrior's household in a benevolent manner is as if he himself participated in the battle.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 2843, Sahih Muslim: 1895
Similarly, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
من فطر صائما كتب له مثل أجره إلا أنه لا ينقص من أجر الصائم شيئا
Whoever provides iftar for a fasting person will have a reward equal to that of the fasting person, and the reward of the fasting person will not be diminished.
Reference: Sunan al-Tirmidhi: 807; Musnad Ahmad, al-Mawsoo'ah al-Hadithiyyah: 17033; Ibn Hibban: 8/216, No: 3429
It should be noted that this virtue is not limited to fasting and jihad but is general for all types of worship. Whoever helps another in any good deed will also receive the reward for that good deed. For example, if a person gives money to someone for Hajj or Umrah, he will also receive the reward of Hajj or Umrah, and there will be no reduction in the reward of the one performing Hajj or Umrah; he will receive his full reward, and the one who spent the money will receive his reward. Similarly, if a person establishes an institution for the teaching of the Quran and bears the expenses of teachers and other staff, he will also receive the reward for teaching the Quran, even though he is not involved in the act of teaching the Quran. He will receive this reward simply for spending money.
As you do, so shall you reap
One benefit of spending in the way of Allah is that when a person spends money on Allah's creation for the sake of Allah's pleasure, fulfills the needs of the needy, feeds the hungry, quenches the thirst of the thirsty, alleviates the worries of the distressed, and helps those in trouble, Allah Almighty treats him in the same way in return. It is as if the principle of "as you do, so shall you reap" is in effect here. Whoever treats Allah's creation in a certain way, Allah will treat him similarly in this world and the Hereafter.
Narrated by Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
من نفس عن مؤمن كربة من كرب الدنيا نفس الله عنه كربة من كرب يوم القيامة ومن يسر على معسر يسر الله عليه فى الدنيا والآخرة ومن ستر مسلما ستره الله فى الدنيا والآخرة والله فى عون العبد ما كان العبد فى عون أخيه
Whoever alleviates a difficulty for a Muslim in this world, Allah will alleviate a difficulty for him on the Day of Resurrection, and whoever makes it easy for a person in hardship, Allah will make it easy for him in this world and the Hereafter, and whoever conceals the faults of a Muslim, Allah will conceal his faults in this world and the Hereafter, and as long as a servant helps his brother, Allah continues to help him.
Reference: Sahih Muslim: 2699
❀ Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) also narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
من أعتق رقبة مسلمة أعتق الله بكل عضو منه عضوا من النار حتى فرجه بفرجه
Whoever frees a Muslim slave, Allah will free every part of the one who frees him from Hellfire for each part of the slave, even the private parts of the one who frees him will be freed from Hellfire.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 6715
❀ It is also narrated by Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Noble Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
كان تاجر يداين الناس فإذا رأى معسرا قال لفتيانه تجاوزوا عنه لعل الله أن يتجاوز عنا فتجاوز الله عنه
A merchant used to lend money to people. When he saw someone in hardship, he would tell his servants to overlook it, perhaps Allah would overlook us, and thus Allah forgave him.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 2078, Sahih Muslim: 3998
All the above-mentioned hadiths are quite clear in their meaning that as someone treats others, Allah Almighty will treat him in the same way. It is as if anyone who desires something from Allah should treat people in that manner, and Allah will return to him the same thing in return.
The Cause of Shade on the Day of Resurrection
Who can bear the hardships of the Day of Judgment? A day that will be equivalent to fifty thousand years, the sun will be very close, and due to the intensity of the heat, people will be drenched in sweat according to their deeds; some will have sweat up to their ankles, some up to their knees, some up to their shoulders, and some will be completely submerged in their sweat.
Reference: Sahih Muslim: 2683, 2684
On such a harsh and severe day when there will be no shade, charity will provide shade on that day.
❀ Hazrat Uqbah bin Amir (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
كل امرئ فى ظل صدقته حتى يفصل بين الناس
Every person will be in the shade of their charity until the judgment (of Paradise or Hell) is made among the people.
Reference: Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah: 2431; Ibn Hibban: 8/104
❀ It is narrated by Sayyidina Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
سبعة يظلهم الله فى ظله يوم لا ظل إلا ظله إمام عادل وشاب نشأ فى عبادة الله ورجل قلبه معلق فى المساجد ورجلان تحابا فى الله اجتمعا عليه وتفرقا عليه ورجل دعته امرأة ذات منصب وجمال فقال إني أخاف الله ورجل تصدق بصدقة فأخفاها حتى لا تعلم شماله ما تنفق يمينه ورجل ذكر الله خاليا ففاضت عيناه
On that day, Allah will grant His shade to seven types of people for whom there will be no other shade: a just ruler, a youth who grew up in the worship of Allah, a person whose heart is attached to the mosque, two people who love each other for the sake of Allah, meeting for His sake and parting for His sake, a person who is invited to sin by a beautiful and noble woman but responds, "I fear Allah," a person who gives charity so secretly that his left hand does not know what his right hand has spent, and a person who remembers Allah in solitude and his eyes overflow with tears.
Reference: Al-Mustadrak Al-Hakim: 1/416; Sahih Bukhari: 1423
The first hadith mentions that charity itself will provide shade, while the second hadith states that he will receive the shade of Allah. This means that the one who gives charity will attain both honors on the Day of Judgment.
Completion of Deficiency in Obligatory Zakat
Zakat is one of the five fundamental pillars of Islam. A person who possesses the minimum amount of wealth must spend one-fortieth of their wealth, which is 2.5%, in the way of Allah once a year. Its importance is evident from the fact that Allah has mentioned it alongside prayer in many places in the Holy Quran, and there is a severe warning for those who neglect to pay Zakat. Allah, the Exalted, says:
وَالَّذِينَ يَكْنِزُونَ الذَّهَبَ وَالْفِضَّةَ وَلَا يُنْفِقُونَهَا فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ فَبَشِّرْهُمْ بِعَذَابٍ أَلِيمٍ يَوْمَ يُحْمَىٰ عَلَيْهَا فِي نَارِ جَهَنَّمَ فَتُكْوَىٰ بِهَا جِبَاهُهُمْ وَجُنُوبُهُمْ وَظُهُورُهُمْ ۖ هَٰذَا مَا كَنَزْتُمْ لِأَنفُسِكُمْ فَذُوقُوا مَا كُنتُمْ تَكْنِزُونَ
Reference: (9-التوبة:34-35)
"And those who hoard gold and silver and do not spend it in the way of Allah, give them the glad tidings of a painful punishment. The day it will be heated in the fire of Hell, and with it, their foreheads, sides, and backs will be branded (and it will be said) this is what you have hoarded for yourselves, so taste what you used to hoard."
In light of the importance of Zakat, every Muslim should calculate their wealth after a year and ensure that Zakat reaches the deserving. If there is any unintentional shortcoming in the payment of Zakat, Allah has provided Muslims with the facility to give voluntary charity, which will compensate for the deficiency in obligatory Zakat and save the person from severe punishment.
❀ Sayyidina Tamim Dari (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
أول ما يحاسب به العبد يوم القيامة صلاته فإن أكملها كتبت له نافلة فإن لم يكن أكملها قال الله سبحانه لملائكته انظروا هل تجدون لعبدي من تطوع فأكملوا بها ما ضيع من فريضته ثم تؤخذ الأعمال علىٰ حسب ذلك
On the Day of Resurrection, the first account taken of a servant will be regarding prayer. If he has fulfilled this obligation, his additional prayers will be recorded as extra, and if there is a deficiency in his obligatory prayers, Allah will say to the angels: "Look, do you find any voluntary prayers of My servant?" (Then if they do,) complete the deficiency in the obligatory prayers with them. After that, the account of the remaining deeds will also be taken in the same manner.
Reference: Sahih Sunan Abi Dawood: 866; Sunan Ibn Majah: 1426
From this hadith, it is understood that on the Day of Resurrection, the first account of all obligatory deeds of the servant will be examined; if they are complete, well and good, otherwise the deficiency in obligatory acts will be compensated through voluntary acts. Just as the deficiency in obligatory prayers will be compensated with voluntary prayers, the deficiency in obligatory Zakat will be compensated with voluntary charity. Therefore, every Muslim should not only suffice with the fulfillment of obligatory acts but also pay attention to voluntary acts as much as possible.
Provision for the Day of Judgment
On the Day of Judgment, the deeds of the servants will be taken, so they will need good deeds on that day to fill their scales, because the one whose scale of good deeds is heavy will be successful. Allah Almighty has said:
فَمَن ثَقُلَتْ مَوَازِينُهُ فَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُونَ وَمَنْ خَفَّتْ مَوَازِينُهُ فَأُولَٰئِكَ الَّذِينَ خَسِرُوا أَنفُسَهُمْ فِي جَهَنَّمَ خَالِدُونَ
Reference: (23-المؤمنون:102-103)
Then the person whose scales are heavy, they are the successful ones, and the person whose scales are light, they are the ones who have harmed their souls, and they will remain in Hell forever.
Among the good deeds, charity is an act that continues to be a provision for the servant in the Hereafter. Whatever a servant gives in charity is being deposited in Allah's bank, and on the Day of Judgment, the one who gives charity will receive it back multiplied.
❀ Allah Almighty encouraged charity by saying:
وَأَقْرِضُوا اللَّهَ قَرْضًا حَسَنًا وَمَا تُقَدِّمُوا لِأَنفُسِكُم مِّنْ خَيْرٍ تَجِدُوهُ عِندَ اللَّهِ هُوَ خَيْرًا وَأَعْظَمَ أَجْرًا
Reference: (73-المزمل:20)
And give Allah a good loan, and whatever good you send forth for your souls, you will find it with Allah better and in reward much greater.
Matarif narrates from his father (Abdullah bin Mukhaireh, may Allah be pleased with him) that I attended the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) while he was reciting ﴿أَلْهَاكُمُ التَّكَاثُرُ﴾. He said:
يقول ابن آدم مالي مالي وهل لك يا ابن آدم من مالك إلا ما أكلت فأفنيت أو لبست فأبليت أو تصدقت فأمضيت
The son of Adam says: My wealth, my wealth! O son of Adam! Your wealth is only that which you have consumed and thus it has perished, or that which you have worn and it has worn out, or that which you have given in charity and sent forth.
Reference: Sahih Muslim: 2958
❀ The wording of another narration is as follows:
إنما له من ماله ثلاث ما أكل فأفنى أو لبس فأبلى أو أعطى فاقتنى وما سوى ذلك فهو ذاهب وتاركه للناس
For him, there are only three things from his wealth: what he has consumed and thus it has perished, what he has worn and it has worn out, or what he has given to someone and stored for the Hereafter. Everything else is going to be lost, and he will leave it for others.
Reference: Sahih Muslim: 2959
❀ Sayyidina Abdullah bin Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
أيكم مال وارثه أحب إليه من ماله؟ قالوا يا رسول الله ما منا أحد إلا ماله أحب إليه قال إن ماله ما قدم ومال وارثه ما أخر
Who among you loves his wealth more than the wealth of his heir? The companions said: O Messenger of Allah! There is none among us who does not love his wealth more. He said: "His wealth is what he has sent forth, and what he leaves behind when he dies is the wealth of his heirs."
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 6442
All these hadiths confirm that whatever wealth a servant spends in the way of Allah, he will find it in the Hereafter, and it will be a means of his salvation. In reality, this is the wealth that will benefit him in the Hereafter, and the wealth he hoarded will become the property of his heirs after his death.
Reward After Death
The life of this world is a place of trial. Here, Allah has given humans the opportunity to take advantage of their lives and prepare for their Hereafter. That is why it is said that the world is the field for the Hereafter; whatever you sow in this world, you will reap in the Hereafter.
The world is a place of action, and the Hereafter is a place of reward. In life, a person has the choice to perform deeds, but with death, this choice is taken away, and they cannot do anything even if they wish to.
However, the Noble Prophet (peace be upon him) has identified certain deeds whose rewards continue even after death. The person is in the grave, but they continue to receive rewards.
❀ Sayyidina Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
إذا مات الإنسان انقطع عمله إلا من ثلاث إلا من صدقة جارية أو علم ينتفع به أو ولد صالح يدعو له
When a person dies, their deeds come to an end, except for three things:
(1) Ongoing charity (Sadaqah Jariyah).
(2) Knowledge from which benefit is derived.
(3) Righteous offspring who pray for them.
Reference: Sahih Muslim: 1631
To dedicate something as charity that continues to be a source of ongoing good for people is called ongoing charity (Sadaqah Jariyah). As long as people benefit from the donated item, the deceased will continue to receive its reward. For example, if a person distributes copies of the Holy Quran during their lifetime and people recite from it, they will continue to receive rewards as long as people keep reciting from the copies they distributed. If a person builds a mosque and then dies, they will continue to receive rewards as long as people pray in that mosque. There are many other forms of ongoing charity, such as digging a well or installing a tube well and dedicating its water for people, teaching someone a skill so they can earn a lawful livelihood, building a mosque, or making arrangements for the convenience of worshippers in a mosque, such as installing fans, providing a cooler for cold drinking water for worshippers in the summer, etc. Similarly, dedicating a place for a cemetery, building a hospital, dedicating something for patients in a hospital, such as wheelchairs, X-ray machines, or ambulances, managing religious schools and supporting students of religious knowledge, building a library for public study, etc.
Facility of Charity on Behalf of the Deceased
The reward of ongoing charity (Sadaqah Jariyah) done in life is certainly received after death, but if a person passes away without giving any charity during their life, their heirs can give charity on their behalf, and the reward reaches the deceased.
❀ It is narrated from Sayyida Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her):
ان رجلا قال للنبی صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم إن أمي افتلتت نفسها وأظنها لو تكلمت تصدقت فهل لها أجر إن تصدقت عنها؟
A man asked the Prophet (peace be upon him), "My mother passed away suddenly, and I believe that if she could speak, she would have given charity. If I give charity on her behalf, will she receive a reward?" He said: (Yes).
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 1388
❀ Sayyidina Abdullah ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them) narrates:
إن سعد بن عبادة والله توقيت أمه وهو غائب عنها فقال: يا رسول الله إن أمي توفيت وأنا غائب عنها أينفعها شيء إن تصدقت به عنها؟ قال: ((نعم)) قال: فإني أشهدك أن حائطى المحراف صدقة عليها
The mother of Sa'd ibn Ubadah (may Allah be pleased with him) passed away in his absence. He said: (O Messenger of Allah! My mother has passed away, and I was not present with her. If I give something in charity on her behalf, will it benefit her?) He said: (Yes). Sa'd (may Allah be pleased with him) said: (I make you a witness that my garden named Mukhraf is charity on her behalf.)
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 2756
This hadith indicates that even if the deceased did not make a will, and the heirs give charity on their behalf, the reward also reaches the deceased.
The following hadith is also a clear proof of this.
❀ Sayyidina Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates:
أن رجلا قال للنبي صلى الله عليه وسلم إن أبى مات وترك مالا ولم يوص فهل يكفر عنه أن أتصدق عنه؟
A man said to the Prophet (peace be upon him): "My father has passed away, he left behind wealth and did not make a will. If I give charity on his behalf, will it atone for his sins?" He said: (Yes).
Reference: Sahih Muslim: 1630
Victory Against Satan
Satan is an open enemy of man. Allah expelled him from Paradise in disgrace, so he does not want any human to perform good deeds and enter Paradise. He presents evils as good in front of people and leads them towards sins. When a person begins to do a good deed, he makes every effort to stop that person and creates obstacles in their way. When a Muslim gives charity, Satan becomes distressed; he frightens them by saying that if you give charity, you will become poor and destitute.
❀ The command of Allah, the Exalted, is:
الشَّيْطَانُ يَعِدُكُمُ الْفَقْرَ وَيَأْمُرُكُمْ بِالْفَحْشَاءِ وَاللَّهُ يَعِدُكُمْ مَغْفِرَةً مِنْهُ وَفَضْلًا وَاللَّهُ وَاسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ
Reference: (2-البقرة:268)
Satan threatens you with poverty and commands you to commit indecency, while Allah promises you great forgiveness and bounty from Himself, and Allah is All-Encompassing, All-Knowing.
It is observed that when it comes to taking money out of one's pocket for a mosque, school, or any other charitable work, a person falls into thought, but the same person spends money on worldly matters without any hesitation or doubt and squanders it without thinking.
In this regard, the one who gives charity is a great victor who does not pay heed to the whispers coming from Satan and generously spends money in the way of Allah. While Allah is immensely pleased with this servant, Satan is compelled to acknowledge his defeat.
Reward is only attained together
Every act of worship is only accepted when it is performed according to the method prescribed by Sharia. The reward for prayer will be granted when it is performed in accordance with the Sunnah, Hajj will only be accepted when all its pillars are performed correctly, but charity is an act of worship that, when a person spends pure wealth for the sake of Allah's pleasure, its reward becomes obligatory, and based on his intention, Allah grants it acceptance, even if that wealth does not reach the right place for some reason.
The following hadith will help in understanding this matter.
It is narrated from Sayyidina Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
A man said: I will definitely give charity. So he went out with his charity and (by mistake) placed it in the hands of a thief. In the morning, people began to say that someone had given charity to a thief last night. The man said: O Allah! All praise is for You. I will surely give charity again today. So he went out again with his charity and this time he gave it to a prostitute. When morning came, people were again talking that someone had given charity to a prostitute last night. The man said: O Allah! All praise is for You, I have given charity to a fornicator. Today I will take out charity again. So he went out again with his charity and this time he placed it in the hands of a wealthy person. When morning came, people said that someone had given charity to a wealthy person. The man said: O Allah! All praise is for You. I have (unknowingly) given my charity to a thief, a fornicator, and a wealthy person.
He was told that as far as the charity going into the hands of the thief is concerned, it is possible that he may refrain from stealing. Similarly, the fact that the fornicator received the charity may lead her to refrain from fornication, and giving charity to the wealthy person may cause him to take heed and start spending the wealth given by Allah.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 1421
From this hadith, it is understood that if charity is given to an undeserving person by mistake or ignorance, Allah accepts it and the giver also receives a reward. It should be noted that deliberately giving charity to someone who is not deserving is never permissible or correct.
The Means of Attaining Divine Proximity and the Prayers of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
Gaining closeness to Allah is the desire and aspiration of every Muslim's heart, and if someone is honored with this privilege, there is no one more fortunate than that person. Allah has commanded the believers that if they wish to succeed in this world and the Hereafter, they should strive to seek closeness to Allah. The command of Allah, the Exalted, is:
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَابْتَغُوا إِلَيْهِ الْوَسِيلَةَ وَجَاهِدُوا فِي سَبِيلِهِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ
Reference: (5-المائدة:35)
"O you who have believed, fear Allah and seek the means of nearness to Him, and strive in His cause that you may succeed."
The best way to attain closeness to Allah is to perform voluntary prayers with enthusiasm and passion after fulfilling the obligatory acts. This means of divine closeness has been revealed by Allah Himself to His servants, as it is stated in a Qudsi Hadith that Allah says:
من عادى لي وليا فقد آذنته بالحرب وما تقرب إلى عبدي بشيء أحب إلى مما افترضت عليه وما زال عبدي يتقرب إلى بالنوافل حتى أحبه فإذا أحببته كنت سمعه الذى يسمع به وبصره الذى يبصر به ويده التى يبطش بها ورجله التى يمشي بها وإن سألني لأعطينه ولئن استعاذني لأعيذنه
"Whoever shows enmity to my friend, I declare war against him. My servant does not draw near to me with anything more beloved to me than what I have made obligatory upon him, and my servant continues to draw near to me with voluntary acts until I love him. When I love him, I become his hearing with which he hears, his sight with which he sees, his hand with which he strikes, and his foot with which he walks. If he asks me for something, I give it to him, and if he seeks refuge with me, I grant him refuge."
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 6502
From this Hadith, it is understood that a servant can attain closeness to Allah through voluntary worship, such as voluntary prayers, voluntary fasting, and voluntary charity, and he becomes beloved to Allah. He reaches a state where his hands, feet, eyes, and ears all act according to Allah's will. He sees only what Allah likes, hears only what Allah wants, and in short, his entire body begins to function in accordance with Allah's will.
Spending wealth in the way of Allah has been declared by Allah Himself in the Quran as a means to attain divine closeness. The command of Allah, the Exalted, is:
وَمِنَ الْأَعْرَابِ مَنْ يُؤْمِنُ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ وَيَتَّخِذُ مَا يُنْفِقُ قُرُبَاتٍ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ وَصَلَوَاتِ الرَّسُولِ ۚ أَلَا إِنَّهَا قُرْبَةٌ لَهُمْ ۚ سَيُدْخِلُهُمُ اللَّهُ فِي رَحْمَتِهِ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ غَفُورٌ رَحِيمٌ
Reference: (9-التوبة:99)
"And among the Bedouins are some who believe in Allah and the Last Day and consider what they spend as a means of nearness to Allah and of receiving the Messenger's supplications. Be assured! Indeed, it is a means of nearness for them. Allah will admit them to His mercy. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful."
In this noble verse, spending in the way of Allah is also considered a means of receiving the Prophet's supplications, meaning that one who spends wealth in the way of Allah also gathers the supplications of the Noble Prophet (peace be upon him) for himself. The Noble Prophet (peace be upon him) used to pray for those who would come to him with money to spend on various causes during his lifetime, but even today, every person who sincerely spends his wealth in the way of Allah is deserving and a recipient of those prayers.
