This excerpt is taken from Sheikh Abdullah Yusuf Zuhaybi's book Virtues of Charity.
Sincerity is Necessary:
The acceptance of any deed in the presence of Allah occurs only when it is performed with sincerity. The same applies to the acceptance of charity and almsgiving. A small amount of wealth spent sincerely in the way of Allah is better than a large amount spent for show and ostentation, because Allah does not look at wealth but at sincerity.
Hazrat Abu Huraira (RA) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:
إن الله لا ينظر إلى صوركم وأموالكم ولٰكن ينظر إلى قلوبكم وأعمالكم
"Allah does not look at your appearances or your wealth, but He looks at your hearts and your deeds."
Reference: Sahih Muslim: 2564
This means that Allah looks at deeds done with sincerity, not at outward appearance or wealth. If there is sincerity in the heart, the deed is accepted; otherwise, it is not accepted.
Abu Umamah Bahili (RA) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:
إن الله لا يقبل من العمل إلا ما كان له خالصا وابتغي به وجهه
"Indeed, Allah only accepts that deed which is done purely for Him and from which His pleasure is sought."
Reference: Isnad Hasan, Sunan an-Nasa'i: 3142
Who is more unfortunate than the person who spends his wealth in the way of Allah all his life, but on the Day of Judgment, when it is time to receive his reward, Allah will reject him saying, "I have nothing for you." Abu Sa'd bin Abu Fadala Ansari (RA) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:
إذا جمع الله الأولين والآخرين يوم القيامة ليوم لا ريب فيه نادى مناد من كان أشرك فى عمل عمله لله فليطلب ثوابه من عند غير الله فإن الله أغنى الشركاء عن الشرك
"When Allah gathers all people on the Day of Resurrection, about which there is no doubt, a caller will announce that whoever associated others in the deeds done for Allah, let him seek the reward from those others, for Allah is Most Self-Sufficient above all partners."
Reference: Hasan, Sunan Ibn Majah: 4203
Hazrat Abu Huraira (RA) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: On the Day of Judgment, the first person to be judged will be a martyr. He will be called and reminded of his blessings. When he recognizes those blessings, Allah will ask: "What did you do with these blessings?" He will say: "I fought in Your cause until I was martyred." Allah will say: "You lie; rather, you fought so that you would be called brave." So he will be called brave until he is ordered to be thrown into Hell.
Then a person who acquired knowledge, taught people, and recited the Qur'an will be called and shown his blessings. When he recognizes those blessings, Allah will ask: "What did you do with these blessings?" He will say: "I acquired knowledge, taught it, and recited the Qur'an for You." Allah will say: "You lie; you recited the Qur'an so that you would be called a reciter." So he will be called a reciter until he is ordered to be thrown face down into Hell.
And a person whom Allah granted abundance and every kind of wealth will be called on the Day of Judgment and shown his blessings. When he recognizes those blessings, Allah will ask: "What did you do with these blessings?" He will say: "I spent wealth in every path in which spending wealth pleases You." Allah will say: "You lie; you did this so that you would be called generous." So he will be called generous until he is ordered to be thrown face down into Hell and cast into the fire.
Reference: Sahih Muslim: 1905
It is understood that the person who gives charity so that people call him generous and he gains fame and reputation will receive the punishment of Hellfire instead of reward.
Spend only lawful and pure wealth in the way of Allah
❀ The command of the Almighty Allah is:
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا أَنْفِقُوا مِنْ طَيِّبَاتِ مَا كَسَبْتُمْ وَمِمَّا أَخْرَجْنَا لَكُمْ مِنَ الْأَرْضِ وَلَا تَيَمَّمُوا الْخَبِيثَ مِنْهُ تُنْفِقُونَهُ وَلَسْتُمْ بِآخِذِيهِ إِلَّا أَنْ تُغْمِضُوا فِيهِ وَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّ اللَّهَ غَنِيٌّ حَمِيدٌ
Reference: (2-Al-Baqarah:267)
"O you who have believed! Spend from the good things which you have earned and from that which We have produced for you from the earth. And do not aim toward the bad to spend from it, while you would not take it yourselves except with closed eyes, and know that Allah is Free of need and Praiseworthy."
In this noble verse, Allah Almighty commands the believers to spend from their pure and lawful earnings and also clarifies that they should not spend in the way of Allah from such worthless and repulsive things which they themselves would not like to take. Spending wealth earned through unlawful means in the way of Allah is against the greatness and dignity of Allah, because He Himself has forbidden earning and consuming unlawfully. So how can Allah accept charity from wealth obtained through disobedience to Him? In other words, we can say that earning lawful sustenance is Allah’s first command, and spending it according to Allah’s pleasure is the second command, and these two are inseparable.
It is narrated from Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
أيها الناس إن الله طيب لا يقبل إلا طيبا وإن الله أمر المؤمنين بما أمر به المرسلين فقال يا أيها الرسل كلوا من الطيبات واعملوا صالحا إني بما تعملون عليم وقال يا أيها الذين آمنوا كلوا من طيبات ما رزقناكم ثم ذكر الرجل يطيل السفر أشعث أغبر يمد يديه إلى السماء يا رب يا رب ومطعمه حرام ومشربه حرام وملبسه حرام وغذي بالحرام فأنى يستجاب لذلك
"Allah is pure and accepts only that which is pure. And Allah has commanded the believers as He commanded the messengers. He said: O messengers! Eat from the good things and do righteous deeds. Indeed, I am Knowing of what you do." And He said: "O you who have believed! Eat from the good things We have provided for you." Then he mentioned a person who travels a long journey, his hair dusty, raising his hands to the sky saying: O Lord! O Lord! While his food is unlawful, his clothing is unlawful, and his nourishment is unlawful, so how can his supplication be accepted?"
Reference: (2-Al-Baqarah:172) (23-Al-Mu’minun:51) (Sahih al-Bukhari: 91; Sahih Muslim: 1015)
Remember that charity given from unlawful wealth is not only not accepted, but rather the person who gives charity from unlawful wealth will be sinful. It is narrated from Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
إذا أديت زكاة مالك فقد قضيت ما عليك ومن جمع مالا حراما ثم تصدق به لم يكن له فيه أجر وكان إصره عليه
"When you pay the zakat of your wealth, you have fulfilled your responsibility, but whoever collects unlawful wealth and then gives charity from it, he will not receive any reward for that charity, rather he will be sinful."
Reference: Hasan, Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah: 2471 (same wording), Sunan Ibn Majah: 1788, Sunan al-Tirmidhi: 618
Should Charity Be Given Secretly or Publicly?
Giving charity secretly holds greater virtue because in it a person avoids showing off and ostentation. Allah the Exalted says:
إِنْ تُبْدُوا الصَّدَقَاتِ فَنِعِمَّا هِيَ وَإِنْ تُخْفُوهَا وَتُؤْتُوهَا الْفُقَرَاءَ فَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَكُمْ وَيُكَفِّرُ عَنْكُمْ مِنْ سَيِّئَاتِكُمْ وَاللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِيرٌ
Reference: (2-Al-Baqarah:271)
"If you disclose your charity, it is good; but if you conceal it and give it to the poor, it is better for you, and it will remove some of your misdeeds. And Allah is fully aware of what you do."
Among the seven fortunate ones about whom the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said that on the Day of Judgment Allah will grant them His shade, regarding one of them he said:
ورجل تصدق بصدقة فأخفاها حتى لا تعلم شماله ما تنفق يمينه
"The person who gives charity and conceals it to the extent that his left hand does not know what his right hand has spent."
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 1423
If a servant has sincerity in his heart and avoids showing off, but gives charity with the intention that by showing it to people they may also give charity, this is not less in reward and merit. In fact, if others give charity after seeing him, he will receive the reward for initiating a good deed. Regarding secret and public charity, consider the following verse:
الَّذِينَ يُنْفِقُونَ أَمْوَالَهُمْ بِاللَّيْلِ وَالنَّهَارِ سِرًّا وَعَلَانِيَةً فَلَهُمْ أَجْرُهُمْ عِنْدَ رَبِّهِمْ وَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ
Reference: (2-Al-Baqarah:274)
"Those who spend their wealth by night and by day, secretly and publicly, have their reward with their Lord. And no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve."
In this noble verse, Allah the Exalted praises both those who give charity secretly and publicly and promises them reward and merit. Both have their own benefits. By giving secretly, a person avoids showing off, and by giving publicly, others are encouraged, and the person becomes deserving of much reward for initiating a good deed.
Hazrat Jarir bin Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that once we were sitting with the Messenger of Allah ﷺ in the early part of the day when suddenly a group of people came to him. Their feet were bare, their bodies naked, wearing leather shrouds or cloaks around their necks, and swords hanging. Most, if not all, belonged to the tribe of Mudar. Seeing their poverty, the face of the Prophet ﷺ changed; he went inside the house, then came out and ordered Hazrat Bilal (may Allah be pleased with him) to call the Adhan. Hazrat Bilal gave the Adhan, then the Iqamah was said. The Prophet ﷺ led the prayer, then gave a sermon and said: "O people! Fear your Lord. People should give charity of a dirham, a dinar, clothes, wheat, barley, or a Sa' of dates, even if it is just a piece of dates." (Upon hearing this) one of the Ansar companions brought a sack which was so heavy that his hand became tired from carrying it. I saw two heaps of food and clothes. I saw the face of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ shining with happiness. It looked as if his face was made of gold. Then he said: "Whoever initiates a good deed in Islam will receive the reward for his deed and the deeds of those who follow him, and their reward will not be diminished. And whoever initiates a bad deed in Islam will bear the sin of his deed and the sins of those who follow him, and their sins will not be lessened."
Reference: Sahih Muslim: 1017
Showing off invalidates charity
❀ The command of the Almighty Allah is:
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تُبْطِلُوا صَدَقَاتِكُمْ بِالْمَنِّ وَالْأَذَى
Reference: (2-Al-Baqarah:264)
"O you who have believed! Do not invalidate your charity with reminders of your generosity or with injury."
This means that after giving charity to a needy or poor person, to trouble them or remind them of your favor and hurt their self-respect is a very serious sin. Firstly, the charity becomes nullified, meaning its reward is lost, and secondly, such a person becomes deserving of Allah's wrath and punishment. It is better not to do a favor at all than to show off the favor. At least one will avoid the disgrace that they will face on the Day of Judgment.
Sayyiduna Abu Dharr al-Ghifari (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
ثلاثة لا يكلمهم الله يوم القيامة ولا ينظر إليهم ولا يزكيهم ولهم عذاب أليم
"There are three types of people from whom Allah will neither speak on the Day of Resurrection, nor look at them with mercy, nor purify them, and for them is a painful punishment."
He repeated this three times. Abu Dharr (may Allah be pleased with him) said: We are at a loss and at a disadvantage. O Messenger of Allah! Who are these people? He said:
المسبل والمنان والمنفق سلعته بالحلف الكاذب
"One who lets his garment hang below the ankles, one who shows off his favors, and one who sells his goods by swearing falsely."
Reference: Sahih Muslim: 106
The words of the hadith narrated by Abdullah bin Umar (may Allah be pleased with both) are as follows:
وثلاثة لا يدخلون الجنة: العاق لوالديه والمدمن على الخمر والمنان بما أعطى الله
"Three persons will not enter Paradise: the one who disobeys his parents, the habitual wine-drinker, and the one who gives and then shows off his favor."
Reference: Hasan, Sunan an-Nasa'i, Book of Zakat, Chapter on Showing Off in What is Given, Hadith 2563
Give in charity only what you like
❀ The command of the Almighty is:
لَنْ تَنَالُوا الْبِرَّ حَتَّى تُنْفِقُوا مِمَّا تُحِبُّونَ وَمَا تُنْفِقُوا مِنْ شَيْءٍ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ بِهِ عَلِيمٌ
Reference: (3-Al Imran:92)
"You will never attain righteousness until you spend from that which you love. And whatever you spend, indeed Allah is Knowing of it."
True charity is that which a person gives from his beloved possessions.
It is narrated from Hazrat Auf bin Malik (RA) that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) came to our mosque while holding a stick in his hand. Someone had hung a bunch of low-quality dates. He struck that bunch with his stick and said:
لو شاء رب هذه الصدقة تصدق بأطيب منها وقال إن رب هذه الصدقة يأكل الحشف يوم القيامة
"The one who gives charity could have given better charity than this. This person will eat these low-quality dates on the Day of Judgment."
Reference: Hasan, Sunan Abi Dawood: 1607
It is understood that the type of thing a person gives in charity, he will receive the same kind of reward on the Day of Judgment.
Sayyiduna Anas (RA) narrates that Abu Talha (RA) was the wealthiest among the Ansar of Madinah in terms of gardens, and his most beloved property was a garden called Bayraha, which was located near the Prophet's Mosque. The Messenger of Allah (SAW) also used to visit this garden and drink its fine water. Sayyiduna Anas (RA) narrates that when this verse was revealed: ﴿لَنْ تَنَالُوا الْبِرَّ....﴾, Abu Talha (RA) said: O Messenger of Allah! Allah Almighty has said: ﴿لَنْ تَنَالُوا الْبِرَّ....﴾ and my most beloved possession is the garden called Bayraha. I give it in charity for the sake of Allah, hoping that Allah will reward me for it. You may decide whatever you wish regarding it.
Hearing this, the Noble Prophet (SAW) said: "Very good! Very good! This is profitable wealth, this is profitable wealth. I have heard your words, and my opinion is that you give this garden to your close relatives."
Abu Talha (RA) said: O Messenger of Allah! I will do just that. Thus, Abu Talha (RA) distributed this garden among his relatives and cousins.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 1461, Sahih Muslim: 998
❀ The command of the Almighty is:
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا أَنْفِقُوا مِنْ طَيِّبَاتِ مَا كَسَبْتُمْ وَمِمَّا أَخْرَجْنَا لَكُمْ مِنَ الْأَرْضِ وَلَا تَيَمَّمُوا الْخَبِيثَ مِنْهُ تُنْفِقُونَهُ وَلَسْتُمْ بِآخِذِيهِ إِلَّا أَنْ تُغْمِضُوا فِيهِ وَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّ اللَّهَ غَنِيٌّ حَمِيدٌ
Reference: (2-Al Baqarah:267)
"O you who have believed, spend from the good things which you have earned and from that which We have produced for you from the earth. And do not aim toward the defective therefrom, spending [from that] while you would not take it [yourself] except with closed eyes. And know that Allah is Free of need and Praiseworthy."
Do not consider the charity of a small thing insignificant
Every Muslim should spend wealth in the way of Allah according to their capacity. Allah Almighty does not look at how much wealth one has; rather, Allah looks at the person's enthusiasm and sincerity. Therefore, even if someone has only a small thing to give as charity, they should neither feel ashamed nor afraid. Instead, they should give charity thinking that perhaps Allah will accept this small good deed due to their sincerity and it may become a means of their salvation. That is why the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
اتقوا النار ولو بشق تمرة
"Save yourself from the fire even by giving half a date in charity."
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 1413, Sahih Muslim: 1016
Hazrat Um Bajiah (may Allah be pleased with her) narrates that she said: O Messenger of Allah! May Allah's mercy be upon you. A poor person stands at my door, and I have nothing to give him. What should I do? You said:
إن لم تجدي له شيئا تعطينه إياه إلا ظلفا مخرقا فادفعيه إليه فى يده
"If you find nothing to give him except the burnt hoof of a goat, then give him that."
Reference: Sunan Abi Dawood: 1667
Hazrat Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
يا نساء المسلمات لا تحقرن جارة لجارتها ولو فرسن شاة
"O Muslim women! Let no neighbor consider anything insignificant for her other neighbor, even if it is the hoof of a goat."
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 2566; Sahih Muslim: 1030
A person who gives charity should not care about people's taunts or what they say, nor should they think about what people will say if they give a small amount in charity. Hazrat Abu Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that when the verse about charity was revealed, we used to carry our belongings (so that the wages earned could be given in charity). One person came and gave a large amount in charity. The hypocrites said: He is a show-off. Then another person came and gave one Sa' (a measure) in charity, and the hypocrites said: Allah is self-sufficient (does not need such a small charity). Then this verse was revealed:
الَّذِينَ يَلْمِزُونَ الْمُطَّوِّعِينَ مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ فِي الصَّدَقَاتِ وَالَّذِينَ لَا يَجِدُونَ إِلَّا جُهْدَهُمْ فَيَسْخَرُونَ مِنْهُمْ سَخِرَ اللَّهُ مِنْهُمْ وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ
Reference: (9-At-Tawbah:79)
"Those who ridicule the believers who give charity willingly and those who find nothing but their hard work to give, they mock them. Allah mocks them, and they will have a painful punishment."
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 1415; Sahih Muslim: 1018
It is understood that people are never pleased with anyone; if someone spends a lot, they say he is showing off, and if someone gives little, they still mock him. Therefore, one should not pay attention to people's words but continue to give charity according to their capacity.
Give charity according to need
In our society, when charity (Sadaqah) is mentioned, the common people's mind immediately goes to the sacrificial goat. It is a popular belief among people that charity must involve the shedding of an animal's blood. Therefore, when someone faces a problem or sudden calamity, they buy a sacrificial goat and give it to a nearby madrasa or similar place. This sacrificial goat is so weak and frail that it struggles even to walk, and its meat is not fit for eating. Because of this, some madrasa caretakers refuse to accept such goats or wish to be paid the price instead, but those who want to give charity insist on giving the goat itself. If one thinks about it, this insistence is not correct; rather, one should assist according to the need. It is not wise to insist on giving meat when a poor person does not even have flour for one loaf of bread. As for the claim that the sacrifice of an animal is necessary for charity, this is entirely fabricated. The Quran and Hadith have not imposed such a restriction. Only on the occasion of Eid al-Adha is the slaughtering of an animal commanded. Apart from that, every Muslim has the discretion to assist the poor, needy, and destitute according to their needs.
Another common form of charity in our country is "vulture meat." If you pass by the Ravi River bridge in Lahore early in the morning, you will see young boys standing with envelopes containing meat, repeatedly shouting "vulture meat, vulture meat." The person wishing to give charity pays for this meat, and the meat seller strikes the customer's head and throws the meat into the river, where vultures and crows eat it. Thus, the person giving charity believes that they have fulfilled their charity for the entire day. Now the whole day will pass well, and no calamity or trouble will come.
However, Islam does not recognize the concept of giving charity by striking it off the head. Another point is that in a country where people die of hunger and long for two meals a day, feeding meat to vultures is not wise. These birds find their own sustenance, and Allah feeds them. Feeding them is not our responsibility, nor can we feed them. However, if someone has kept an animal or bird as a pet and has tied or confined it, then feeding it is the owner's responsibility.
In our cities, another form of charity is popular, which is releasing sparrows. People keep sparrows in cages and walk around the streets, and others pay money to release the birds. They believe that by freeing these birds, they have earned great reward and call it charity, although this freedom is beyond understanding because first, the person imprisoned the birds themselves and now charges money to free them. This is outright mockery. Avoiding all these fabricated forms of charity, one should try to spend their pure wealth on proper causes.
What is the delay for?
The owner of wealth should, if he intends to give charity, not delay in doing so but rather give charity at the earliest opportunity and then attend to other matters, because a person does not know when his life will end. It may happen that death comes and the opportunity to give charity is lost. ❀ Allah Almighty says:
وَأَنْفِقُوا مِنْ مَا رَزَقْنَاكُمْ مِنْ قَبْلِ أَنْ يَأْتِيَ أَحَدَكُمُ الْمَوْتُ فَيَقُولَ رَبِّ لَوْلَا أَخَّرْتَنِي إِلَى أَجَلٍ قَرِيبٍ فَأَصَّدَّقَ وَأَكُنْ مِنَ الصَّالِحِينَ
Reference: (63-Al-Munafiqun:10)
"And spend from the wealth We have provided you before death comes to one of you and he says, 'My Lord, why did You not delay me for a short time so I could give charity and be among the righteous?'"
It is clear that every moment of life should be considered precious, and one should not procrastinate in doing good deeds. Whenever the opportunity arises, it should be seized; otherwise, regretting later will be of no benefit.
Observe how responsible the Messenger of Allah ﷺ was regarding spending wealth. Consider a few hadiths.
Hazrat Uqbah bin Harith (RA) narrates that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ performed the Asr prayer, then quickly went home and returned after a short while. When I or someone else asked about this, he said:
كنت خلفت فى البيت تبرا من الصدقة فكرهت أن أبيته فقسمته
"I had left a piece of gold for charity at home. I did not like to spend the night without distributing it, so I distributed it."
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 1430
Imagine how much the Prophet ﷺ cared about the charity funds for the people that he would go immediately after prayer, distribute the charity, and then return to the mosque.
Hazrat Abu Hurairah (RA) narrates that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
لو كان لي مثل أحد ذهبا ما يسرني أن يمر على ثلاث وعندي منه شيء إلا شيء أرصده لدين
"Even if I had gold equal to the mountain of Uhud, I would not like three days to pass without any part of it remaining with me, except what I keep to lend to someone."
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 2389; Sahih Muslim: 991
The one who gives charity cannot take back what he has given in charity
Sayyiduna Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA) narrates that I gave a horse in the way of Allah. He wasted it (did not take care of it), so I wanted to buy it back. I thought he would sell it at a cheap price. So I asked the Messenger of Allah (SAW) about it, and he said:
لا تبتعه ولا تعد فى صدقتك وإن أعطاكه بدرهم فإن العائد فى صدقته كالكلب يعود فى قيئه
“Do not buy it back and do not take back your charity, even if he offers it to you for one dirham, because the one who takes back what he has given in charity is like a dog who vomits and then licks it.”
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 1490
The comparison to a dog shows that this is a very bad act. Therefore, neither should the thing given in charity be taken back, nor should it be bought back for its price.
Recommending charity to a wealthy person earns the reward of charity
If a Muslim wants to spend wealth on a good deed or if a deserving poor person comes to him for charity and he has nothing to give, he should go to a wealthy person and recommend him. He should say that I know him and he is truly deserving of charity. In this way, the one who recommends will also receive the reward equal to that of the one who gives charity.
❀ Allah the Exalted says:
مَنْ يَشْفَعْ شَفَاعَةً حَسَنَةً يَكُنْ لَهُ نَصِيبٌ مِنْهَا
Reference: (4-An-Nisa:85)
"Whoever intercedes for a good cause will have a share in its reward."
Abu Musa Ash'ari (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that if a beggar came to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) or a need was presented before him, he would say to the companions:
اشفعوا توجروا
"Intercede and you will receive a reward."
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 1432, Sahih Muslim: 2627
If a wife gives charity from her husband's wealth, both will receive the reward
Sayyida Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
إذا أنفقت المرأة من طعام بيتها غير مفسدة كان لها أجرها بما أنفقت ولزوجها أجره بما كسب وللخازن مثل ذلك لا ينقص بعضهم أجر بعض شيئا
"If a woman spends from her husband's wealth and her intention is not to waste her husband's wealth, then she will receive the reward for spending, and the husband will also receive the reward because he earned it, and the treasurer will also receive the reward. One person's reward does not diminish the reward of another."
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 1425; Sahih Muslim: 1024
However, the woman will receive this reward only if the husband has given her general permission to spend his wealth. If she steals from her husband's wealth and gives it in charity, she will be sinful.
Hazrat Abdullah bin Amr (may Allah be pleased with them) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) gave a sermon on the occasion of the conquest of Makkah, in which he said:
لا يجوز لامرأة عطية إلا بإذن زوجها
"It is not permissible for a woman to give any gift or donation without her husband's permission."
Reference: Sunan an-Nasa'i: 2541; Sunan Abi Dawood: 3547
It should be noted that this refers to giving charity or gifts from the husband's wealth; otherwise, if a woman wants to give charity from her own wealth, permission from the husband is not necessary.
The Treasurer Also Receives the Reward for Spending the Owner's Wealth
If a wealthy person instructs his treasurer to give charity and the treasurer gives the charity which the owner has ordered to be given, and does not commit betrayal but spends the entire amount, then the treasurer will also receive the reward of charity.
Abu Musa Ash'ari (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
الخازن المسلم الأمين الذى ينفذ وربما قال يعطي ما أمر به كاملا موفرا طيبة به نفسه فيدفعه إلى الذى أمر له به أحد المتصدقين
"A Muslim trustworthy treasurer who gives fully and willingly according to the owner's command, and gives it to the one specified by the owner, is among the two who give charity."
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 1438, Sahih Muslim: 1023
From the hadith, it is understood that a Muslim trustworthy treasurer will receive the reward of charity only when four conditions are met:
(1) Permission of the owner
(2) Giving willingly
(3) Giving fully
(4) Giving to the one whom the owner has ordered.
If any one of these four conditions is not found in the treasurer, then not only will he be deprived of the reward, but he will also be committing a sin.
Do not give grudgingly, otherwise Allah will also give grudgingly
It is narrated from Sayyida Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) that she counted several poor people or several alms (charities) in the presence of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
أعطي ولا تحصي فيحصى عليك
"Do not count any more, otherwise you will also be counted."
Reference: Sahih, Sunan Abi Dawood: 1700
Allah Almighty grants sustenance to His servant without counting and without limit. Therefore, a servant should not spend in the way of Allah by counting and calculating. Rather, whenever there is a need, one should spend in the way of Allah without hesitation and calculation, and hope from Allah that He will return it multiplied many times.
Sayyida Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) was counting the alms in the presence of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), saying she gave so much to this person and so much to that person, upon which he said the above-mentioned statement. This indicates that calculating the charity of alms is not a good practice. One should just keep in mind that Allah was the one who gave it, and as much as was within one's capacity, one spent in His way. There is no need to count how much was spent, just as no one ever counted Allah’s blessings.
If a wealthy person receives something as a gift that is meant for charity, its use is permissible
Although it is not permissible for a wealthy or rich person to take or use something from charity, if a person who is entitled to charity has charity property given by people, and he gives some of that property as a gift to a wealthy person, then its use is permissible for that wealthy person, because the charity was for the deserving person, and for the wealthy person, it is a gift.
Sayyiduna Anas رضي الله عنه narrates that meat was presented to the Prophet Muhammad صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم which had been received as charity by Barirah رضي الله عنها. He said:
هو عليها صدقة وهو لنا هدية
"This was charity for her, but it is a gift for us."
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 1495; Sahih Muslim: 1074
Sayyida Umm Atiyyah رضي الله عنها narrates that the Prophet Muhammad صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم visited Sayyida Aisha رضي الله عنها and asked if she had anything. Aisha رضي الله عنها replied that she had nothing except the meat of a goat sent by Barirah, which she had received as charity. Then he said:
إنها قد بلغت محلها
"The charity has reached its rightful place."
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 1494; Sahih Muslim: 1076
The meaning of the Prophet's صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم statement is the same as the above hadith. The charity has reached its rightful place, meaning the one who received the charity took it as charity, but now he has given it to Aisha رضي الله عنها as a gift, the use of which is permissible for her.
If an item given in charity is found in inheritance, it is permissible to take it back
The issue has already been discussed in previous pages that it is not permissible to take back or buy something after giving it as charity. However, if something given as charity to parents returns to the giver as inheritance, then it is permissible to take it.
Sayyiduna Buraydah bin Husayb Al-Aslami (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that a woman came to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and said: O Messenger of Allah! I had given my mother a slave girl as charity. Now my mother has passed away. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
أجارك الله ورد عليك الميراث
"Allah has rewarded you (for the charity) and that slave girl has returned to you as inheritance."
Reference: Sahih Sunan Ibn Majah: 2394
A similar incident is narrated by Hazrat Abdullah bin Amr bin Aas (may Allah be pleased with both of them) that a man came to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and said: I had given my mother a garden. Now she has passed away and left no heirs except me. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
وجبت صدقتك ورجعت إليك حديقتك
"You have received the reward for your charity and your garden has returned to you."
Reference: Sahih Sunan Abi Majah: 2395
To whom it is not appropriate to give charity
It is not permissible to give charity to a wealthy and physically sound person who can earn and support himself, and such a person should also be careful that if someone unknowingly offers him charity, he should refuse to accept it.
Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Amr bin Aas (may Allah be pleased with them) narrates that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
لا تحل الصدقة لغني ولا لذي مرة سوي
"Charity is not lawful for a rich person nor for a strong and healthy one."
Reference: Hasan, Sunan Abi Dawood, Book of Zakat, Chapter: Who is given charity and the limit of the rich, Hadith 1634
Ubaidullah bin Udi bin Khiyar narrates that two men told me that they both came to the presence of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) during the occasion of Hajj al-Wada while he was distributing charity. Both of them requested charity from him. He looked at us from head to toe. He saw that we were both strong, so he said:
إن شئتما أعطيتكما ولا حظ فيها لغني ولا لقوي مكتسب
"If you want, I can give you, but (remember) there is no share in it for the rich and the strong who can earn and eat."
Reference: Sahih Sunan Abi Dawood, Book of Zakat, Chapter: Who is given charity and the limit of the rich, Hadith 1633; Sunan an-Nasa'i: 2599
Similarly, charity is not lawful for the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his family. The family includes Banu Hashim and Banu Muttalib.
Abdul Muttalib bin Rabi'ah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
إن هذه الصدقات إنما هي أوساخ الناس وإنها لا تحل لمحمد ولا لآل محمد
"These charities are the dirt and refuse of the people's wealth; they are not lawful for Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the family of Muhammad."
Reference: Sahih Muslim: 1072
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) himself avoided charity wealth and also advised his children to avoid it.
Sayyiduna Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) saw a date lying on the road and said:
لولا أني أخاف أن تكون من الصدقة لأكلتها
"If I were not afraid that it might be charity, I would surely eat it."
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 2055, Sahih Muslim: 1071
Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that Hasan bin Ali (may Allah be pleased with them both) took one of the dates from the charity dates and put it in his mouth, then the Prophet said: "Eat, eat," then he said:
أما شعرت أنا لا نأكل الصدقة
"Do you not know that we do not eat charity?"
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 1491; Sahih Muslim: 1069
Five Types of Rich People from Whom It Is Permissible to Take Sadaqah
Ata bin Yasar رضي الله عنه (a Tabi'i) narrates that the Messenger of Allah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم said:
لا تحل الصدقة لغني إلا لخمسة: لغاز فى سبيل الله أو لعامل عليها أو لغارم أو لرجل اشتراها بماله أو لرجل كان له مسكين فتصدق على المسكين فأهداها المسكين للغني
"Except for five types of people, charity is not permissible for any wealthy person:
(1) One who fights in the way of Allah
(2) One who collects charity
(3) One who pays ransom
(4) One who buys something for charity from his own wealth
(5) And the person whose neighbor is a poor person who has been given charity from him, and that poor person gifts something to the wealthy person from that charity."
Reference: Sahih Sunan Abi Dawood: 1635; Al-Muwatta: 608
Mujahid, no matter how wealthy he is, can take charity if he is engaged in Jihad fi Sabilillah. Similarly, if a wealthy person has to pay a ransom, he can also take charity for that. Paying ransom means that a person takes responsibility on behalf of one party to end a dispute between two parties and later has to pay that amount to the same party. The fourth point mentions buying something for charity from one's own wealth; note that this refers to buying something that was given as charity by someone else. It is not permissible to buy one's own charity item. (As this issue has been discussed in detail earlier.)
For whom is the question of Sadaqah permissible and for whom is it not
In Muslim society, there are many needy and poor people who are struggling to make ends meet, but due to their dignity, they do not ask anyone for help. Wealthy and influential people should seek out such individuals in their vicinity and provide them financial support. Allah Almighty has mentioned such people in the context of the recipients of charity and alms. The Almighty says:
لِلْفُقَرَاءِ الَّذِينَ أُحْصِرُوا فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ لَا يَسْتَطِيعُونَ ضَرْبًا فِي الْأَرْضِ يَحْسَبُهُمُ الْجَاهِلُ أَغْنِيَاءَ مِنَ التَّعَفُّفِ تَعْرِفُهُمْ بِسِيمَاهُمْ لَا يَسْأَلُونَ النَّاسَ إِلْحَافًا وَمَا تُنْفِقُوا مِنْ خَيْرٍ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ بِهِ عَلِيمٌ
Reference: (2-Al-Baqarah:273)
“Charity is for the poor who are restricted in the way of Allah, unable to travel in the land, and do not beg from people out of pride. You will recognize them by their faces; they do not beg from people insistently. And whatever you spend in good, Allah knows it well.”
If people do not support such poor and needy individuals themselves, then in that case, it is permissible for them to ask for help, but not permanently; only as long as their need is not fulfilled or their livelihood is not stabilized. If they continue to ask even after their need is met, then it is not permissible, and that wealth will be considered forbidden for them.
Qabeesah bin Mukhaariq (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that he took responsibility for someone’s guarantee, then he came to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to ask on his behalf. The Prophet said: “Wait until charity comes to me, then I will order you to give charity.” Then he said:
يا قبيصة إن المسألة لا تحل إلا لأحد ثلاثة: رجل تحمل حمالة فحلت له المسألة حتى يصيبها ثم يمسك ورجل أصابته جائحة اجتاحت ماله فحلت له المسألة حتى يصيب قواما من عيش أو قال سدادا من عيش ورجل أصابته فاقة حتى يقوم ثلاثة من ذوي الحجى من قومه لقد أصابت فلانا فاقة فحلت له المسألة حتى يصيب قواما من عيش أو قال سدادا من عيش فما سواهن من المسألة يا قبيصة سحتا يأكلها صاحبها سحتا
“O Qabeesah! It is only permissible to ask for help for three types of people: a person who has given a guarantee, so it is permissible to ask until he fulfills it and then does not ask again; a person who suffers a calamity that destroys his wealth, so it is permissible to ask until he stabilizes his livelihood; and a person who is starving, so it is permissible to ask until three wise men from his community testify that he is indeed starving and until he stabilizes his livelihood. O Qabeesah! Apart from these three, asking is forbidden, and whoever asks unlawfully eats forbidden wealth.”
Reference: Sahih Muslim: 1044
The Noble Prophet (peace be upon him) has strongly condemned unnecessary begging and extending hands before people in various hadiths.
Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Umar (may Allah be pleased with them) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
ما يزال الرجل يسأل الناس حتى يأتى يوم القيامة ليس فى وجهه مزعة لحم
“A person keeps asking from people until, on the Day of Resurrection, there will be no flesh left on his face.”
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 174; Sahih Muslim: 1040
Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
من سأل الناس أموالهم تكثرا فإنما يسأل جمرا فليستقل أو ليستكثر
“Whoever asks people for wealth to increase his own wealth is asking for burning coals, whether he asks little or much.”
Reference: Sahih Muslim: 1041
Sayyiduna Samurah bin Jundub (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
المسألة كدوح يكدح بها الرجل وجهه فمن شاء أبقى على وجهه ومن شاء ترك إلا أن يسأل الرجل ذا سلطان أو فى أمر لا يجد منه بدا
“Asking is scratching; it scratches a person’s face. So whoever wishes may keep it on his face, and whoever wishes may leave it. However, if someone asks a king or asks in a matter where asking is unavoidable, then asking is permissible.”
Reference: Sahih, Sunan Abu Dawood: 1639; Sunan al-Tirmidhi: 681
The Noble Prophet (peace be upon him) encouraged those who avoid asking even in times of need.
Thawban (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
من تكفل لي أن لا يسأل الناس شيئا فأتكفل له بالجنة
“Whoever gives me a guarantee that he will not ask people, I guarantee him Paradise.”
Reference: Sahih, Sunan Abu Dawood: 1643; Sunan al-Nasa’i: 2591
Sayyiduna Zubair bin Awwam (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
لأن يأخذ أحدكم حبله فيأتي بحزمة حطب على ظهره فيبيعها فيكف الله بها وجهه خير له من أن يسأل الناس أعطوه أو منعوه
“If any of you takes a rope and carries a bundle of wood on his back and sells it, thus saving his face from asking people, it is better for him than asking people. Perhaps they will give him something or not.”
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 1471
Hazrat Aaidh bin Amr (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that a man came to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and began to ask for something. The Prophet gave him, and when the man placed his foot on the doorstep, the Prophet said:
لو تعلمون ما فى المسألة ما مشى أحد إلى أحد يسأله شيئا
“If you knew the disgrace or sin of asking, none of you would ask anyone for anything.”
Reference: Hasan, Sunan al-Nasa’i, Book of Zakat, Chapter on Asking, Hadith: 2587
Sadaqah al-Fitr
Sadaqah al-Fitr is the charity that must be given at the end of Ramadan before the Eid al-Fitr prayer. It is obligatory on every Muslim, young and old, male and female, slave and free.
Abdullah bin Umar (may Allah be pleased with them) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) made Sadaqah al-Fitr obligatory, one Sa’ of dates or barley on behalf of every Muslim man and woman, young and old, free and slave, and commanded that it be given before going to the prayer.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 1503
The purpose and wisdom of Sadaqah al-Fitr is explained as follows: firstly, it expiates the sins committed by the fasting person during Ramadan, and secondly, it helps the poor and needy so that they can also share in the joy of Eid with other Muslims.
❀ Abdullah bin Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them) narrates:
فرض رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم زكاة الفطر طهرة للصائم من اللغو والرفث وطعمة للمساكين فمن أداها قبل الصلاة فهي زكاة مقبولة ومن أداها بعد الصلاة فهي صدقة من الصدقات
“The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) made Sadaqah al-Fitr obligatory to purify the fasting person from vain and obscene speech and to feed the poor. So whoever gives it before the Eid prayer, his Sadaqah is accepted, and whoever gives it after the prayer, it is like any other charity (not Sadaqah al-Fitr).”
Reference: Hasan, Sunan Ibn Majah: 1827; Sunan Abi Dawood: 1609
The hadith mentions one Sa’ of wheat or barley. The amount of a Sa’ according to our current weight measures is approximately two and a half kilograms. Therefore, whichever grain a Muslim uses, such as wheat, barley, rice, chickpeas, corn, or other grains, they should give two and a half kilograms on behalf of each person. Those who do not have grain at home, as is often the case in many cities, may pay the equivalent price of the grain. However, it is best and preferable to give from the best quality, and efforts should be made to deliver this amount to the poor one or two days before Eid so that they can prepare for Eid. Nafi’ (may Allah have mercy on him) said that Abdullah bin Umar (may Allah be pleased with them) used to give it one or two days before Eid.
Reference: Sahih Muslim: 986, Sunan Abi Dawood: 1610
