This excerpt is taken from Sheikh Abdullah Yusuf Dhahabi's book Virtues of Charity.
The Best Charities
In the previous pages, the general virtues of charity have been discussed, which apply to anyone who gives any type of charity. On various occasions, different companions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) asked him about the most virtuous charity, and he provided different answers to the companions based on various situations and circumstances. The virtues and rewards of the charities mentioned by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) are greater than those of other types of charity. In this chapter, a few such hadiths are presented.
Giving Charity in a State of Health and Well-being
Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that a man came to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and said:
أى الصدقة أعظم أجرا؟
Which charity is the greatest in terms of reward and merit?
He replied:
أن تصدق وأنت صحيح شحيح تخشى الفقر وتأمل الغنى ولا تمهل حتى إذا بلغت الحلقوم قلت لفلان كذا ولفلان كذا وقد كان لفلان
The charity that you give while you are healthy and stingy. You fear poverty on one hand and desire wealth on the other, and there should be no delay in that charity, such that when death approaches you, you say, "Give so much for this person and so much for that person," while it has already become the property of someone else.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 1419, Sahih Muslim: 1032
This hadith encourages that a person should give charity while in good health, even when there is love for wealth in their heart, because when a person is ill or sees death approaching, their heart softens, and they say, "I will spend all my wealth in the way of Allah before I die," but at that time, even if they do not give to anyone, it will still belong to others, and they will go to the grave empty-handed.
Therefore, every Muslim should give their wealth in charity at the earliest opportunity without waiting for illness or death. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) has declared it the best charity. This does not mean that giving charity while ill or before death is not correct; rather, that charity is also completely valid and a means of obtaining reward, but giving charity in a state of health and well-being is more virtuous.
The Charity of a Poor Person through Hard Work
It is narrated from Sayyidina Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that he asked the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him): O Messenger of Allah! Which charity is the best? He replied:
جهد المقل وابدأ بمن تعول
The charity given by a poor person through hard work, and start with those whom you are responsible for supporting.
Reference: Sunan Abi Dawood: 1677, and its chain is authentic
For a wealthy person, giving charity is not difficult, nor does spending affect their wealth. However, for a person who earns their living through hard labor and supports their wife and children, while having no property or bank balance, spending from their meager earnings in the way of Allah is a highly virtuous act. Allah does not look at the amount of wealth but rather at the sincerity of the servant. For example, if a laborer spends ten rupees from his wages and a millionaire spends ten thousand rupees, the laborer is more deserving of reward and merit.
The charity after which a person does not become needy
Sayyidina Hakim bin Hizam (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
اليد العليا خير من اليد السفلى وابدأ بمن تعول وخير الصدقة عن ظهر غنى
The upper hand is better than the lower hand, and begin with those whom you are responsible for, and the best charity is that which a person gives while remaining independent of others.
Reference: Sahih Bukhari: 1427, Sahih Muslim: 1034
A person should give charity according to their means. If a person becomes dependent on others to meet their basic needs after giving charity, such charity is not commendable. Therefore, the best charity is considered to be that which does not leave a person in need of others afterward. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) used to instruct those who give charity to first spend on themselves and their families, and then whatever remains can be given as charity.
Sayyidina Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that a man from the Banu Azrah tribe intended to free his slave after his death, and when this reached the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), he asked him: "Do you have any other wealth?" He replied: No. The Prophet said: "Who will buy this slave from me?" Then Nu'aim bin Abdullah Al-Adawi (may Allah be pleased with him) bought him for eight hundred dirhams, and he brought this amount to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), who handed it over to the slave's owner (who had expressed the intention to free him) and then said:
"First spend on yourself, and if there is anything left, it is for your family. If there is anything left from the needs of your family, then it is for your relatives, and if there is still anything left from your relatives, then you can give it as charity in front of you and to your right and left (as you wish)."
Reference: Sahih Muslim: 997; Sunan Nasai: 2547
Spending Wealth on Relatives
A Muslim should first look at their close ones when giving charity and should prioritize their relatives, because they have more rights compared to others, and giving charity to them yields greater rewards than giving to others.
❀ Sayyidina Salman bin Amir (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
إن الصدقة على المسكين صدقة وعلى ذي الرحم اثنتان صدقة وصلة
Giving charity to a poor person is just charity, but giving charity to a relative results in two actions: one is charity and the other is maintaining family ties.
Reference: Sahih Sunan an-Nasa'i: 2581; Jami' at-Tirmidhi: 658; Ibn Majah: 1844
Sayyida Maimunah bint Harith (may Allah be pleased with her) freed a slave during the time of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and mentioned it to him. He said:
لو أعطيتها أخوالك كان أعظم لأجرك
If you had given that slave to your uncle, you would have received greater reward.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 594; Sahih Muslim: 999
Sayyidina Abu Sa'id al-Khudri and Sayyidina Abdullah bin Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with them) narrate the incident of Sayyida Zainab (may Allah be pleased with her) who began to say to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): O Messenger of Allah! You have commanded us to give charity today. I have jewelry and I want to give it in charity. (My husband) Abdullah bin Mas'ud believes that he and his children are more deserving of this charity. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
صدق ابن مسعود زوجك وولدك أحق من تصدقت عليهم به
Ibn Mas'ud has spoken the truth. Your husband and your children are more deserving of your charity.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 1462; Sahih Muslim: 1000
From this hadith, it is also understood that if a wife has wealth, she can give charity to her needy husband.
Another narration about Sayyida Zainab (may Allah be pleased with her) is that she sent Sayyidina Bilal (may Allah be pleased with him) to ask the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) whether the charity I give will suffice for my husband and the orphans under my care? The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
نعم ولها أجران أجر القرابة وأجر الصدقة
Yes, for them, there is double reward, one for kinship and the other for charity.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 1466; Sahih Muslim: 1000
❀ When Allah commanded spending wealth, He first mentioned close relatives:
يَسْأَلُونَكَ مَاذَا يُنْفِقُونَ ۖ قُلْ مَا أَنفَقْتُم مِّنْ خَيْرٍ فَلِلْوَالِدَيْنِ وَالْأَقْرَبِينَ وَالْيَتَامَىٰ وَالْمَسَاكِينِ وَابْنِ السَّبِيلِ ۖ وَمَا تَفْعَلُوا مِنْ خَيْرٍ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ بِهِ عَلِيمٌ
Reference: (Al-Baqarah: 215)
They ask you what they should spend. Say, "Whatever good you spend should be for parents, relatives, orphans, the needy, and the traveler. And whatever good you do, indeed, Allah is Knowing of it."
The aforementioned verse of the Holy Quran and the hadiths mentioned above indicate that charity should be prioritized for relatives.
Spending on Family and Dependents
Along with spending wealth on others, a person should first think about their parents and wife and children, and after fulfilling their needs, they should spend money on other charitable causes. This order has been mentioned by the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) in many hadiths, and in some hadiths, he has declared spending on one's wife and children as the best use of wealth.
عن ثوبان رضي الله عنه قال قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم : أفضل دينار ينفقه الرجل دينار ينفقه على عياله ودينار ينفقه الرجل على دابته فى سبيل الله ودينار ينفقه على أصحابه فى سبيل الله
Hazrat Thawban (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: The best dinar is the one that a person spends on his family, the best dinar is the one that a person spends on a mount in the way of Allah, and the best dinar is the one that a person spends on his companions in the way of Allah.
Reference: Sahih Muslim: 994
عن أبى هريرة رضي الله عنه قال قال رسول صلى الله عليه وسلم دينار أنفقته فى سبيل الله ودينار أنفقته فى رقبة ودينار تصدقت به على مسكين ودينار أنفقته على أهلك أعظمها أجرا الذى أنفقته على أهلك
Hazrat Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: One dinar is that which you spend in the way of Allah, one dinar is that which you spend on a slave, one dinar is that which you give as charity to a poor person, and one dinar is that which you spend on your family. The greatest reward will be for the dinar that you spend on your family.
Reference: Sahih Muslim: 995
عَنْ جَابِرٍ رضی اللہ عنہ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم ابدأ بنفسك فتصدق عليها فإن فضل شيء فلأهلك فإن فضل عن أهلك شيء فلذي قرابتك فإن فضل عن ذي قرابتك شيء فهكذا وهكذا
Start with charity from yourself, then if there is anything left, spend on your family, then if there is anything left from your family, spend on your relatives, and if there is anything left from your relatives, then spend here and there (on others).
Reference: Sahih Bukhari: 2141; Sahih Muslim: 997
It is not wise to ignore the expenses of one's family and keep spending money elsewhere; rather, such a person is guilty in the sight of Allah who refrains from spending on his family.
❀ It is narrated from Sayyidina Abdullah bin Umar (may Allah be pleased with them) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
كفى بالمرء إثما أن يضيع من يقوت
It is sufficient for a man's sin that he withholds the expenses of those for whom he is responsible.
Reference: Sahih Muslim: 996
عن أبى هريرة الله قال: امر النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم بالصدقة، فقال رجل : يارسول الله عندى دينار، قال: تصدق به على نفسك قال: عندي آخر قال: تصدق به على ولدك قال: عندي آخر قال: تصدق به على زوجتك قال: عندي آخر قال: تصدق على خادمك قال: عندي آخر قال:أنت أبصر
Hazrat Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that when the Prophet (peace be upon him) commanded to give charity, a man said: O Messenger of Allah! I have one dinar. He said: "Spend it on yourself." The man said: I have another. He said: "Spend it on your child." He said: I have another. He said: "Spend it on your wife." He said: I have another. He said: "Spend it on your servant." He said: I have another. He said: "You know better about it (whom to spend it on)."
Reference: Hasan, Sunan Abu Dawood: 1691
These blessed hadiths indicate the virtue and importance of spending on one's family, but this does not mean that a person should spend their entire life fulfilling the whims of their wife and children, providing them with the best facilities, and deliberately ignoring other expenses such as those for the poor and needy and other works of spreading the religion, thinking that they are spending on the best cause. The essence of these hadiths is merely that after fulfilling the basic needs of one's family, a person should spend money on other causes. These needs should not increase to the extent that a person spends their entire life trying to fulfill them.
Spending Wealth in the Cause of Allah (Jihad Fi Sabilillah)
The status and importance of Jihad in the path of Allah in Islam is not hidden from any Muslim. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) has declared it the best of deeds, and he also said: There is no deed equal to Jihad in the path of Allah.
عن أبى هريرة رضی اللہ عنہ قال: جاء رجل إلى رسول الله صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم فقال: دلني على عمل يعدل الجهاد قال: لا أجده قال: هل تستطيع إذا خرج المجاهد ان تدخل مسجدك فتقوم ولا تفتر وتصوم ولا تفطر قال: ومن يستطيع ذلك؟ قال أبو هريرة إن فرس المجاهد ليستن فى طوله فيكتب له حسنات
Sayyidina Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that a man came to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and said: O Messenger of Allah! Please tell me of a deed that is equal to Jihad in the path of Allah. He replied: "I do not know of any such deed." Then he said: "Do you have the strength to enter your mosque when a Mujahid goes out in the way of Allah, and then stand continuously without any pause and fast continuously without breaking your fast?" The man said: Who has the strength for that? Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) said: Indeed, when the Mujahid's horse runs a long distance, good deeds are recorded for him.
When Jihad is the best of deeds, then spending one's wealth in Jihad cannot be anything less than the best deed because Jihad cannot happen without wealth. Therefore, Allah, the Exalted, has mentioned in the Holy Quran at many places where Jihad is mentioned, the words ”بأموالكم وأنفسكم“ that fight in the way of Allah with your wealth and your lives, and it is noteworthy that wealth is mentioned before life.
Reference: Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah: 2428; Musnad Ahmad: 4/154
The example of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his companions (may Allah be pleased with them) is also before us, showing how those great people used to spend their wealth in Jihad. It can be said without exaggeration that during the time of the Prophet, the amount of wealth spent by the companions for Jihad is perhaps unmatched in any other cause. Whenever the Prophet (peace be upon him) asked the companions to contribute wealth for Jihad, they would pile up their wealth.
Abu Bakr Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him) presented all the wealth of his house, and Umar Faruq (may Allah be pleased with him) presented half of his house's wealth for the service of the Prophet (peace be upon him) for Jihad. It should also be noted that the Prophet (peace be upon him) has equated the one who provides wealth to prepare a Mujahid with the reward of the Mujahid.
❀ The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
من جهز غازيا فى سبيل الله فقد غزا ومن خلف غازيا فى سبيل الله بخير فقد غزا
Whoever equips a Mujahid with supplies, it is as if he himself has participated in Jihad, and whoever takes good care of the Mujahid's household has also participated in Jihad.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 2843; Sahih Muslim: 1895
Preparing a Mujahid means providing him with weapons, bearing the expenses of transportation and other travel for Jihad. When the Mujahid is at the front and there is no breadwinner at home, the Prophet (peace be upon him) has also considered paying for the food, clothing, housing, etc., of the Mujahid's wife, children, and parents as part of the act of Jihad, and if the Mujahid is martyred, taking care of his heirs is also included in this.
Sayyidina Uqbah bin Amir (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
إن الله يدخل بالسهم الواحد ثلاثة الجنة صانعه والممد به والرامي به فى سبيل الله
Allah will admit three people into Paradise because of an arrow: the one who makes the arrow, the one who provides the Mujahid with the arrow, and the Mujahid who shoots the arrow in the way of Allah.
Reference: Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah: 2428; Musnad Ahmad: 4/154
The Prophet (peace be upon him) has declared the one who fights in Jihad with wealth and life as the best of humans.
Sayyidina Abu Sa'id Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that it was asked of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him): O Messenger of Allah!
اَيُّ النَّاسِ أَفْضَلُ؟ فَقَالَ رَسُولُ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم مؤمن يجاهد فى سبيل الله بنفسه وماله
Who is the best person? He replied: The believer who fights in the way of Allah with his life and wealth. The companions asked: Then who? He said: The believer who chooses to live in a ravine of the mountains, fears Allah, and keeps himself safe from people.
[Sahih al-Bukhari: 2786, Sahih Muslim: 3501[/ref]
Fighting in Jihad with wealth and life has been described by Allah as a trade that saves from painful punishment.
❀ Allah, the Exalted, says:
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا هَلْ أَدُلُّكُمْ عَلَىٰ تِجَارَةٍ تُنْجِيكُم مِّنْ عَذَابٍ أَلِيمٍ تُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ وَتُجَاهِدُونَ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ بِأَمْوَالِكُمْ وَأَنفُسِكُمْ ۚ ذَٰلِكُمْ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ
Reference: (As-Saff: 10-11)
O you who have believed! Shall I guide you to a transaction that will save you from a painful punishment? Believe in Allah and His Messenger and strive in the way of Allah with your wealth and your lives. That is best for you, if you only knew.
Feeding
Feeding the poor and the needy is a highly rewarding act. Allah Almighty mentions the qualities of the people of Paradise, saying:
وَيُطْعِمُونَ الطَّعَامَ عَلَىٰ حُبِّهِ مِسْكِينًا وَيَتِيمًا وَأَسِيرًا إِنَّمَا نُطْعِمُكُمْ لِوَجْهِ اللَّهِ لَا نُرِيدُ مِنكُمْ جَزَاءً وَلَا شُكُورًا
Reference: (الإنسان:8-9)
And they feed the poor, the orphan, and the captive for the love of Allah. (And they say) We feed you only for the sake of Allah; we do not want from you any reward or thanks.
When the people of Paradise enter Paradise, they will ask the people of Hell: What has brought you to Hell?
قَالُوا لَمْ نَكُ مِنَ الْمُصَلِّينَ وَلَمْ نَكُ نُطْعِمُ الْمِسْكِينَ
Reference: (المدثر:43-44)
They will say: We did not use to pray, nor did we feed the poor.
It is evident that not feeding the poor and the needy is such a great sin that the people of Hell themselves will confess it.
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) has greatly emphasized the virtue of feeding others.
It is narrated by Sayyidina Abdullah bin Salam (may Allah be pleased with him) that when the Prophet (peace be upon him) migrated to Medina, I heard him say first:
يا أيها الناس أفشوا السلام وأطعموا الطعام وصلوا الأرحام وصلوا بالليل والناس نيام تدخلوا الجنة بسلام
O people! Spread peace, feed others, maintain family ties, and pray at night when people are asleep. You will enter Paradise in peace.
Reference: Sahih Sunan Ibn Majah: 3251
From this blessed hadith, it is understood that feeding others is a means of entering Paradise.
It is narrated from Abdullah bin Umar (may Allah be pleased with them) that a man asked the Prophet (peace be upon him): أى الإسلام خير؟ Which Islam is best? He replied:
تطعم الطعام وتقرأ السلام علىٰ من عرفت ومن لم تعرف
That you feed others and greet those you know and those you do not know.
Reference: Sahih Bukhari: 12; Sahih Muslim: 39
عن أبى هريرة رضي الله عنه قال قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم : إن الله عزوجل يقول يوم القيامة : يا ابن آدم! مرضت فلم تعدني، قال: يا رب كيف اعودك؟ وأنت رب العالمين قال: أما علمت ان عبدى فلانا مرض فلم تعده، اما علمت أنك لو عدته لوجد تني عنده يا ابن آدم استطعمتك فلم تطعمني، قال: يا رب ! وكيف أطعمك ؟ وانت رب العالمين قال: اما علمت أنه استطعمك عبدى فلان فلم تطعمه؟ أما علمت أنك لو أطعمته لوجذت ذلك عندي يا ابن آدم! إستسقيتك فلم تسقني قال: يا رب كيف أسقيك وانت رب العالمين، قال إستسقاك عبدي فلان فلم تسقه، أما إنك لو سقيته وجدت ذلك عندي
Sayyidina Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) will say on the Day of Judgment: O son of Adam! I fell ill, and you did not visit me? He will say: O my Lord! How could I visit you? You are the Lord of the worlds. Allah Almighty will say: Did you not know that such and such of My servant was ill? If you had visited him, you would have found Me with him. O son of Adam! I asked you for food, but you did not feed Me. The person will say: O my Lord! How could I feed You? You are the Lord of the worlds.
Allah Almighty will say: Did you not know that such and such of My servant asked you for food? If you had fed him, you would have found him with Me.
Similarly, there is mention of giving water to drink.
The essence of the hadith is that Allah has commanded visiting the sick, feeding the hungry, and giving water to the thirsty. This command is indeed Allah's request, and whoever feeds the hungry while adhering to this command of Allah draws closer to Him.
Feeding others is one of the four qualities about which the Prophet (peace be upon him) said that whoever possesses all four in a day will be among the people of Paradise.
عن أبى هريرة قال قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم : من أصبح منكم اليوم صائما؟ قال أبو بكر أنا قال: فمن تبع منكم جنازة قال أبو بكر : أنا قال: فمن أطعم منكم اليوم مسكينا؟ قال أبو بكر أنا قال: فمن عاد منكم اليوم مريضا؟ قال: أبو بكر أنا فقال رسول الله: ما اجتمعن في امرء إلا دخل الجنة
Sayyidina Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) asked: "Who among you is fasting today?" Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) replied: "I am." He then asked: "Who among you has followed a funeral today?" Abu Bakr said: "I have." He asked: "Who among you has fed a poor person?" Abu Bakr said: "I have." He then asked: "Who among you has visited a sick person?" Abu Bakr said: "I have." The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Whoever combines all these deeds will enter Paradise.
Reference: Sahih Muslim: 1028
It should be noted that feeding and providing for the hungry and needy is not the only act of reward; Muslims should also invite each other to meals. This increases love among them, and this is also a demand of Muslim brotherhood.
It is narrated by Abdullah bin Umar (may Allah be pleased with them) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
أفشوا السلام وأطعموا الطعام وكونوا إخوانا كما أمركم الله عز وجل
Spread peace, feed others, and live as brothers as Allah Almighty has commanded you.
Reference: Sahih, Sunan Ibn Majah, Book of Foods, Chapter on Feeding, Hadith 3252, also see Sahih Muslim: 2563
It is evident that spreading peace and feeding others are among the acts that promote brotherhood among Muslims.
Feeding Animals
The Prophet of Mercy, peace be upon him, was sent by Allah as a mercy to all the worlds. He commanded kindness not only towards humans but also towards animals and birds. Feeding and providing for animals and birds is also an aspect of this mercy and compassion. Especially if someone has kept an animal or bird tied or confined, it becomes their duty to take care of its food and drink; otherwise, they will be sinful and deserving of Allah's punishment.
Hazrat Abdullah bin Ja'far, may Allah be pleased with him, narrates: One day, the Prophet, peace be upon him, made me ride behind him. Then the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, entered the garden of an Ansari. There was a camel there. When the camel saw him, it began to cry and tears flowed from its eyes. The Prophet, peace be upon him, went to it and gently stroked the raised bone behind its ears, and it became quiet. He said:
من رب هذا الجمل؟ لمن هذا الجمل؟ فجاء فتى من الأنصار فقال: لى يا رسول الله ! قال: ((أفلا تتقي الله فى هذه البهيمة التى ملكك الله إياها؟ فإنه شكا إلى أنك تجيعه و تدئبه
Who is its owner? Whose camel is this? A young Ansari came and said: O Messenger of Allah! This is mine. He said: "Do you not fear Allah regarding this (voiceless) animal that Allah has made you its owner? It has complained to me that you keep it hungry and always put it to work."
Reference: Sahih Sunan Abi Dawood: 2548 (Book of Jihad, Chapter on what is commanded regarding caring for animals and beasts, and its chain is authentic; Sahih Muslim: 342
Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar, may Allah be pleased with them, narrates that the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said:
عذبت امرأة فى هرة ربطتها حتى ماتت فدخلت فيها النار لا هي أطعمتها ولا سقتها إذ حبستها ولا هي تركتها تأكل من خشاش الأرض
A woman was punished because of a cat. She tied it up, did not feed it or give it drink, nor did she let it go so that it could eat insects from the earth until it died. Because of this cruelty, she was cast into the fire.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 3482; Sahih Muslim: 2243
Hazrat Suhail bin Hanzalah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrates that the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, passed by a camel whose belly had touched its back due to hunger. He said:
اتقوا الله فى هذه البهائم المذللة فاركبوها صالحة وكلوها صالحة
Fear Allah regarding these (voiceless) animals; when you ride them, do so in a good manner, and when you feed them, do so excellently.
Reference: Sunan Abi Dawood: 2548, and its chain is authentic
There are numerous hadiths regarding the virtue of feeding animals and birds, which indicate that Allah forgives the sins of a servant because of this act and admits them into Paradise.
Hazrat Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrates that a man saw a dog licking wet soil around a well due to thirst. He gave it water, and Allah forgave him. The companions asked: O Messenger of Allah! Do we also receive reward for animals? He said:
في كل كبد رطبة أجر
Every living thing (that has a moist liver) will receive the reward of compassion.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 2363; Sahih Muslim: 2244
In a narration from Sahih al-Bukhari, the words are:
فشكر الله له فأدخله الجنة
Allah appreciated his action and admitted him into Paradise.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 173. Sahih al-Bukhari: 3321
It is also narrated from Hazrat Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Prophet, peace be upon him, said:
غفر لامرأة مؤمنة مرت بكلب على رأس ربوة يلهث - قال: كاد يقتله العطش فنزعت خفها فأوثقته بخمارها فنزعت له من الماء فغفر لها بذلك
A sinful woman was forgiven simply because she passed by a dog that was near a well, about to die from thirst. She took off her shoe, tied it with her scarf, and drew water from the well to give to the thirsty dog. Because of this good deed, she was forgiven.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 3321
❀ Hazrat Anas, may Allah be pleased with him, narrates that the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said:
ما من مسلم يغرس غرسا أو يزرع زرعا فيأكل منه طير أو إنسان أو بهيمة إلا كان له به صدقة
Whoever plants a tree or cultivates a crop, and from it any bird, human, or animal eats, it is a charity from that person.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 2320; Sahih Muslim: 1552
Hazrat Suraqah bin Ja' sham, may Allah be pleased with him, narrates that I asked the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, that if a lost camel of someone comes to my pond, which I have prepared for my camels, if I give that camel water from there, will I receive a reward? He said:
نعم فى كل ذات كبد رطبة أجر
Yes, there is a reward for giving water to every living creature that is thirsty.
Reference: Sahih Sunan Ibn Majah: 3686 (Book of Manners, Chapter on the virtue of the charity of water)
Lending and Granting Grace Period to the Debtor
One way to cooperate with those in need is to lend them money or provide credit for a suitable period. If the debtor is unable to repay the loan by the due date, the lender should not treat them harshly but rather grant them an extension. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) has greatly emphasized this.
❀ Hazrat Buraidah Aslami (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
من أنظر معسرا كان له بكل يوم صدقة ومن أنظره بعد حله كان له مثله فى كل يوم صدقة
Whoever gives respite to a needy debtor (in repaying the loan) will receive the reward of charity every day, and whoever grants further respite after the due date will also receive the reward of charity every day.
Reference: Sahih Sunan Ibn Majah: 2418 (Book of Charities, Chapter of Respite for the Indebted)
Hazrat Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
من يسر على معسر يسر الله عليه فى الدنيا والآخرة
Whoever facilitates ease for a needy person, Allah will grant him ease in this world and the Hereafter.
Reference: Sahih Muslim: 2699
❀ Abu Qatadah (may Allah be pleased with him) states that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
من سره أن يظله الله فى ظله فلينظر معسرا أو ليضع عنه
Whoever wishes that Allah (on the Day of Judgment) grants him a place in His shade should give respite to the needy or forgive their debt.
Reference: Sahih, Sunan Ibn Majah: 2419
❀ Hazrat Hudhayfah bin Yaman (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
تلقت الملائكة روح رجل ممن كان قبلكم فقالوا أعملت من الخير شيئا قال لا قالوا تذكر قال كنت أداين الناس فأمر فتياني أن ينظروا المعسر ويتجاوزوا عن الموسر قال الله عز وجل تجاوزوا عنه
The angels came to the soul of a person from the previous nations and asked: Did you do any good deeds? He said: No. The angels said: Remember. He said: I used to lend money to people and would tell my servants to give respite to the needy and overlook the wealthy. Allah said: (Angels) you also overlook him.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 2077; Sahih Muslim: 1560
Hazrat Abu Qatadah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that he heard the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) say:
من سره أن ينجيه الله من كرب يوم القيامة فلينفس عن معسر أو يضع عنه
Whoever wishes that Allah saves him from the hardships of the Day of Judgment should give respite to a needy person or forgive their debt.
Reference: Sahih Muslim: 1563
A debtor who has borrowed from someone and is unable to repay, while the lender is demanding repayment, in such a case, helping that Muslim with charity for the repayment of the debt is also a highly rewarding act.
Hazrat Abu Sa'id Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that during the time of the Prophet, a man bought fruits and became heavily indebted due to losses. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: تصدقوا عليه Give him charity. People gave him charity, but his debt was not paid off, then he said to the creditors:
خذوا ما وجدتم وليس لكم إلا ذلك
Take whatever you receive from him; you have no other option.
Reference: Sahih Muslim: 1556
Another type of loan is called ”منيحة“. Lending a milking animal or fruit-bearing tree along with its profits is called manihah.
A poor person may borrow a cow or buffalo from someone and use its milk, and after the specified period, return the cow or buffalo to the owner.
Similarly, a person can also give some trees from their garden as manihah, meaning they can say that they will give the fruit of a certain tree to someone for a specified period. It should be noted that the animal or tree given as manihah remains the property of the original owner, and the one who benefits from it does so temporarily. The virtue of manihah is that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) declared it as charity.
Hazrat Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
من منح منيحة غدت بصدقة وراحت بصدقة صبوحها وغبوقها
Whoever gives a milking animal to someone will receive the reward of charity in the morning at the time of milking and in the evening at the time of milking.
Reference: Sahih Muslim: 1020
It is also narrated from Hazrat Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
رجل يمنح أهل بيت ناقة تغدو بعض وتروح بعض إن أجرها لعظيم
Whoever lends a she-camel to a family that gives a full pitcher of milk in the morning and evening will have a great reward.
Reference: Sahih Muslim: 1019
Spending Wealth on Orphans, the Poor, and Widows
Orphans, the poor, and widows are a part of society that has no support other than Allah. It is not right to forget this class in our charity. Islam places great emphasis on the rights of these helpless and destitute people, and there is great virtue in helping and caring for them.
❀ Allah, the Exalted, says:
وَلَٰكِنَّ الْبِرَّ مَنْ آمَنَ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ وَالْمَلَائِكَةِ وَالْكِتَابِ وَالنَّبِيِّينَ وَآتَى الْمَالَ عَلَىٰ حُبِّهِ ذَوِي الْقُرْبَىٰ وَالْيَتَامَىٰ وَالْمَسَاكِينَ وَابْنَ السَّبِيلِ وَالسَّائِلِينَ وَفِي الرِّقَابِ وَأَقَامَ الصَّلَاةَ وَآتَى الزَّكَاةَ
Reference: (Al-Baqarah:177)
And the essence of righteousness is that one believes in Allah and the Last Day and the angels, the Book, and the prophets, and gives his wealth, despite his love for it, to relatives, orphans, the poor, the traveler, and those who ask, and to free slaves, and establishes prayer and gives zakat.
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) stated in a long hadith:
وإن هذا المال خضرة حلوة فنعم صاحب المسلم ما أعطى منه المسكين واليتيم وابن السبيل
Indeed, this wealth is green and sweet, so how good is the Muslim owner who gives from this wealth to the poor, the orphan, and the traveler.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 1465
Hazrat Sahl bin Sa'd (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
أنا وكافل اليتيم فى الجنة هكذا
I and the one who takes care of an orphan will be like this in Paradise.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 6005, Sahih Muslim: 2983
He pointed with his index finger and middle finger.
Sayyidina Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
الساعي على الأرملة والمسكين كالمجاهد فى سبيل الله أو كالذي يصوم النهار ويقوم الليل
The one who serves widows and the poor is like the one who strives in the way of Allah or like the one who fasts during the day and stands in prayer at night.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 6006; Sahih Muslim: 2982
The importance of fulfilling the rights of orphaned children and widows is such that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) has emphatically declared the violation of their rights to be forbidden.
Sayyidina Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
اللهم إني أحرج حق الضعيفين اليتيم والمرأة
"O Allah! I declare the violation of the rights of two weak ones: the orphan and the woman, to be forbidden."
Reference: Hasan, Sunan Ibn Majah: 3678
It should be noted that the needy are not only those who come to people's doors to ask. Many honorable Muslims are extremely poor, destitute, and needy, but they do not ask anyone out of shame. Wealthy individuals should seek out such people in society and cooperate with them.
Sayyidina Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
ليس المسكين الذى ترده التمرة والتمرتان ولا اللقمة ولا اللقمتان، إنما المسكين الذى يتعفف اقرءوا إن شئتم یعنی قولہ لَا يَسْأَلُونَ النَّاسَ إِلْحَافًا
The poor is not the one who goes around asking for a few dates or a few morsels, but the poor is the one who avoids asking, and if you wish, you can read Allah's statement: (They do not beg from people with insistence.)
Reference: (Al-Baqarah:273), Sahih al-Bukhari: 4539, Sahih Muslim: 1039
Freeing Slaves
The practice of enslaving humans was ongoing among the Arabs, and the buying and selling of these slaves and maidservants also took place. Islam adopted a method to gradually eliminate this humiliation from humanity, leading to the eventual end of slavery. For this, Islam encouraged the freeing of slaves, and many sins were also expiated through the liberation of slaves, such as the expiation for breaking an oath, the expiation for zihar, etc.
Here are a few hadiths regarding the encouragement and virtue of freeing slaves.
It is narrated from Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
أيما رجل أعتق امرأ مسلما استنقذ الله بكل عضو منه عضوا من النار
"Whoever frees a Muslim slave, Allah will free that person's every limb from the Fire of Hell in exchange for every limb of that slave."
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 2517; Sahih Muslim: 1509
❀ It is narrated from Abu Dharr (may Allah be pleased with him) that I asked the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) which slave is best to free? He said:
أعلاها ثمنا وأنفسها عند أهلها
"The one who is most valuable and the best in the eyes of the owner."
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 2518, Sahih Muslim: 84
It should be noted that freeing Muslims who are in the captivity of disbelievers is also included in this command. Muslim prisoners can be freed with the funds of zakat or voluntary charity. Allah has mentioned in
Reference: Surah At-Tawbah (Verse: 60)
one of the categories of zakat expenditures as ”وفي الرقاب“, meaning to free necks. The commentators have written that this includes both buying and freeing slaves as well as freeing Muslim prisoners. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) commanded the freeing of prisoners:
Abu Musa Al-Ash'ari (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
أطعموا الجائع وعودوا المريض وفكوا العاني
"Feed the hungry, visit the sick, and free the captive."
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 5649
Giving Charity to Neighbors
In Islam, great emphasis has been placed on treating neighbors well, helping them, taking care of them, and dealing with them with mutual compassion. The rights of neighbors are so significant that Allah has mentioned them alongside parents, relatives, orphans, and the needy.
❀ Allah Almighty says:
وَاعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ وَلَا تُشْرِكُوا بِهِ شَيْئًا وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَانًا وَبِذِي الْقُرْبَىٰ وَالْيَتَامَىٰ وَالْمَسَاكِينِ وَالْجَارِ ذِي الْقُرْبَىٰ وَالْجَارِ الْجُنُبِ وَالصَّاحِبِ بِالْجَنْبِ وَابْنِ السَّبِيلِ وَمَا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَانُكُمْ
Reference: (4-النساء:36)
Worship Allah and do not associate anything with Him, and do good to parents, relatives, orphans, the needy, the near neighbor or the neighbor who is a stranger, the companion at your side, the traveler, and those whom your right hands possess.
❀ Sayyida Aisha Siddiqah (may Allah be pleased with her) narrates that the Prophet of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
ما زال جبريل يوصيني بالجار حتى ظننت أنه سيورثه
Gabriel (peace be upon him) kept emphasizing good treatment of neighbors to me until I thought he would make them heirs as well.
Reference: Sahih Bukhari: 6014, Sahih Muslim: 2624
Abu Dharr Al-Ghafari (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
يا أبا ذر إذا طبخت مرقة فأكثر ماءها وتعاهد جيرانك
O Abu Dharr! When you cook a broth, add more water to it and take care of your neighbor (i.e., send some broth to him as well).
Reference: Sahih Muslim: 2625
This indicates that if neighbors are poor, needy, or in need, it becomes the duty of neighbors to take care of them. Even in matters of food and drink, compassion towards them is commanded. Due to the immense rights of neighbors, one should not overlook them in charity and good deeds. If they are deserving of charity, they should be prioritized first, because the closer one is, the greater their right.
Sayyida Aisha Siddiqah (may Allah be pleased with her) said that she asked: O Messenger of Allah! I have two neighbors, to whom should I send a gift? He replied:
إلى أقربهما منك بابا
To the one whose door is closer to you.
Reference: Sahih Bukhari: 2259
Treating neighbors well is the way of those beloved to Allah. This good treatment is necessary in various matters, and it should also be kept in mind that if a neighbor is financially weak, helping them with charity is also included in good treatment and will be considered the best use of charity.
Abdullah bin Umar (may Allah be pleased with them) stated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
خير الأصحاب عند الله تعالى خيرهم لصاحبه وخير الجيران عند الله خيرهم لجاره
The best companion in the sight of Allah is the one who is best to his companion, and the best neighbor is the one who is best to his neighbor.
[Sahih, Sunan At-Tirmidhi: 1944]
Giving Charity in Ramadan Al-Mubarak
Ramadan is the month of Allah's mercy, blessings, and gifts. Allah has promised to reward the fasting person Himself, and He loves the fasting person so much that the smell of their mouth is more beloved to Allah than the fragrance of musk. Due to the greatness of fasting, any good deed performed by a fasting person during Ramadan certainly earns them more reward than on ordinary days or months. One of these good deeds is spending in the way of Allah. Ramadan is referred to as the spring season of good deeds. In this blessed month, Muslims should not only excel in all other righteous acts but should also not lag behind in giving charity. Let us see how our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who is our exemplary model, spent his wealth in the way of Allah during the month of Ramadan.
❀ Sayyidina Abdullah bin Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates:
كان رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم أجود الناس وكان أجود ما يكون فى رمضان حين يلقاه جبريل وكان يلقاه فى كل ليلة من رمضان فيدارسه القرآن فلرسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم أجود بالخير من الريح المرسلة
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) was the most generous of people, and during Ramadan, whenever Gabriel (peace be upon him) would come to meet him, he would give even more generously, and Gabriel (peace be upon him) would meet him every night of Ramadan and recite the Quran with him. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) was more generous in doing good deeds than the swift wind.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 6; Sahih Muslim: 2308
Giving Charity in the First Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah
The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar, hold great virtue. Every action performed during these days earns more reward than on other days. Therefore, if charity is given during these days, its reward will also be greater compared to other days.
عن ابن عباس رضي الله عنهما قال قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: ما من أيام العمل الصالح فيها أحب إلى الله من هذه الأيام يعني العشر قالوا: يا رسول الله ولا الجهاد فى سبيل الله؟ قال: ”ولا الجهاد فى سبيل الله إلا رجل خرج بنفسه وماله فلم يرجع من ذلك بشيء
There is no day among these days in which a good deed is more beloved to Allah than the deeds performed in these ten days. The Companions asked: O Messenger of Allah! Not even jihad in the way of Allah? He replied: Not even jihad in the way of Allah, except for a man who goes out for jihad with his life and wealth, and does not return with anything from it (meaning he gives his life and wealth in the way of Allah).
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 969; Sunan Ibn Majah: 1727 (and the wording is from him)
It is evident that an action performed in these ten days is more virtuous than even the great act of jihad in the way of Allah, thus these days are the best for giving charity.
Making a Will from One's Wealth in Life
No matter how rich a person is in this world, and no matter how much wealth they possess, they leave this world empty-handed. It is said that there are no pockets in a shroud. The deceased leaves everything behind for those who come after, and the wealth for which they worked hard all their life and for which they did not even care for their own life, becomes of no use when they bid farewell to life and begin their journey to the Hereafter.
A wise person is one who does something in this life that will benefit them in the Hereafter. That is why the wealthy have been commanded to bequeath a portion of their wealth so that the wealth they are leaving behind for others, which does not benefit them, can be used to improve their Hereafter.
The time of death is unknown to anyone, so one should always be prepared for death. If someone intends to bequeath their wealth, they should write down that will and keep it with them.
Sayyidina Abdullah bin Umar (may Allah be pleased with them) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
ما حق امرئ مسلم له شيء يوصي فيه يبيت ليلتين إلا ووصيته مكتوبة عنده
It is not permissible for a Muslim to have any wealth for a will and spend two nights without having it written down. This means that if they want to bequeath something, they should write it down and keep it safe. Death can come at any time.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 2738, Sahih Muslim: 1627
After the revelation of the laws of inheritance, the ruling of the mentioned hadith will be considered merely recommended. Additionally, an important point regarding bequests is that a person cannot bequeath all of their wealth. They can bequeath a maximum of one-third of their wealth, and it is better if they bequeath even less than that.
It is narrated from Sa'd bin Abi Waqqas (may Allah be pleased with him) that during the conquest of Makkah, I fell so ill that I was on the brink of death. When the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) came to visit me, I said: O Messenger of Allah! I am quite wealthy and my only heir is a daughter. Should I give two-thirds of my wealth in charity? He said: No. I said: Half of my wealth? He said: No. I said: One-third? He said:
الثلث والثلث كثير إنك أن تذر ورثتك أغنياء خير من أن تذرهم عالة يتكففون الناس
You can give one-third in charity, and that is also a lot. It is better for you to leave your heirs prosperous than to leave them in poverty, begging from others.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 6733; Sahih Muslim: 1628
Another important issue regarding bequests is that a deceased person cannot bequeath anything from their wealth to the heirs, because Allah has fixed a share for them in inheritance. Therefore, no matter how needy the heir may be, they cannot be bequeathed anything.
It is narrated from Amr bin Kharrijah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said in a sermon:
إن الله قد أعطى كل ذي حق حقه ولا وصية لوارث
Allah has given every rightful owner their right, so now a bequest cannot be made for the heirs.
Reference: Hasan, Sunan Nasai: 3671; Sunan Tirmidhi: 2121
Building a Mosque
The mosque holds great importance in an Islamic society. The mosque is not only a place of worship but also a significant center for Muslims. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used the Prophet's Mosque as the capital of the Islamic state, a center and camp for organizing battles and expeditions, the treasury, the court, the secretariat, the state guest house, a university, and for various other purposes. Allah Almighty has declared the construction of mosques as a sign of faith.
❀ Allah, the Exalted, says:
إِنَّمَا يَعْمُرُ مَسَاجِدَ اللَّهِ مَنْ آمَنَ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ
Reference: (At-Tawbah: 18)
Only those who believe in Allah and the Last Day maintain the mosques of Allah.
It is reported by Sayyidina Uthman ibn Affan (may Allah be pleased with him) that he heard the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) say:
من بنى مسجدا يبتغي به وجه الله بنى الله له مثله فى الجنة
Whoever builds a mosque for the sake of Allah, Allah will build for him a house in Paradise.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 450, Sahih Muslim: 533
It is not necessary for a person to construct an entire mosque to attain this virtue; rather, the importance lies in sincerity and effort rather than the apparent quantity of deeds in the sight of Allah. If someone contributes even a small part to the construction of a mosque, he will also be deserving of the full reward.
Jabir ibn Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with them) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
من بنى مسجدا لله كمفحص قطاة أو أصغر بنى الله له بيتا فى الجنة
Whoever builds a mosque, even as small as a bird's nest, for the sake of Allah, Allah will prepare a house for him in Paradise.
Reference: Sunan Ibn Majah 738, Ibn Khuzaymah: 1292
In addition to the construction of the mosque, one should also actively participate in the arrangements made for the convenience of the worshippers in the mosque. This includes the salaries of the mosque's caretaker, the muezzin, and the imam, as well as the bills for electricity, gas, and water, a cooler for cold water in the summer, prayer mats, the Quran for the worshippers' recitation, religious books, etc. These are all necessities that every mosque requires. Every Muslim should take joy in fulfilling these and similar needs.
Propagation of Religious Sciences and Support for Students
The pursuit of knowledge and the great honor and status of scholars is significant. Allah, the Exalted, says:
قُلْ هَلْ يَسْتَوِي الَّذِينَ يَعْلَمُونَ وَالَّذِينَ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ
Reference: (Az-Zumar:9)
Say: Are those who know equal to those who do not know?
He also said:
يَرْفَعِ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مِنكُمْ وَالَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْعِلْمَ دَرَجَاتٍ وَاللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِيرٌ
Reference: (Al-Mujadila:11)
Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge by degrees. And Allah is All-Aware of what you do.
Scholars who acquire knowledge of the Quran and Hadith and engage in its propagation and dissemination are deserving of great reward and merit, and those who financially support these scholars are also entitled to significant rewards. Most students studying in our religious schools come from poor or middle-class families, and even if they are not poor, they are travelers, as they are away from home to acquire knowledge. Therefore, these students are deserving of charity, and the institutions that support them, hire teachers for salaries, and cover their food, accommodation, electricity, gas, water bills, and other expenses, are worthy of receiving support from charitable donations.
Remember that cooperating with these students is a continuous charity (Sadaqah Jariyah) because when they acquire knowledge and propagate the religion, many people's beliefs and actions are rectified. The reward for this will be shared by both the caller or scholar and the one who financially supports the student. Here, one should recall the blessed Hadith that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) narrated to Hazrat Ali (may Allah be pleased with him):
فوالله لأن يهدي الله بك رجلا واحدا خير لك من حمر النعم
By Allah! If even one person is guided through you, it is better for you than the red camels.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 2942; Sahih Muslim: 2406
In Arabia, red camels were considered very valuable, so by giving the example of the most precious thing in the world, he indicated that being a means of guidance for even one person is better than acquiring the most valuable thing in the world. When this Hadith is considered, it becomes clear that financial support in the propagation and dissemination of religion is a highly beneficial act. Printing and distributing religious books, or distributing CDs or cassettes of scholars' sermons is also an easy means to attain this virtue. For every person who comes to the right path by reading these books or listening to these sermons, and for every good deed they perform throughout their lives, the one who distributed these will also receive the reward.
Waqf
Wealth that has been specifically designated for perpetual charity is called waqf. The original property remains in the possession of the one who establishes the waqf, but its benefits continue to be received by those in need. This is also a type of ongoing charity (sadaqah jariyah).
There can be several forms of waqf. One of them is that a person installs a tube well or digs a well for water and dedicates its water for the people. An example of this is also found in a hadith.
It is narrated from Sayyidina Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him) that when the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) came to Medina, there was no place other than a well named Bi'r Ruma where there was sweet water. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
من يشتري بئر رومة فيجعل دلوه مع دلاء المسلمين فله خير منها فى الجنة
Who is there who will buy the well of Ruma and make his bucket the same as the Muslims' buckets (meaning he will also use the water himself and allow others to use it)? In return, he will receive a great reward in Paradise.
Reference: Hasan, Sunan al-Tirmidhi 3703
Thus, Sayyidina Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him) purchased that well with his wealth. Similarly, a person who has land can keep the land in his possession while dedicating its produce or, if it is an orchard, its fruits for the people. The items that are dedicated as waqf cannot be sold to anyone, nor can one person take them into his possession; rather, they are for the common benefit of all people.
It is narrated from Abdullah ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with them) that Sayyidina Umar al-Faruq (may Allah be pleased with him) found some land in Khaybar. He came to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and said: O Messenger of Allah! I have found land in Khaybar that is more precious and excellent than any wealth I have ever received. What do you advise regarding it? The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
إن شئت حبست أصلها وتصدقت بها
If you wish, you can keep its original in your possession and give its produce as charity.
Thus, Umar al-Faruq (may Allah be pleased with him) dedicated it (as waqf) stating that it would not be sold, gifted, or divided in inheritance. He dedicated it for the poor, relatives, freeing slaves, military expeditions, travelers, and guests, and said: Whoever manages it, there is no restriction on him; he can eat from it in a well-known manner and also give away, provided he does not hoard the wealth.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari: 2737; Sahih Muslim: 1632
If there is no benefit from the waqf property in one place, it can be spent in another place or for another purpose. For example, if someone has dedicated rows for a mosque, but there is no need for rows in the mosque where that person has given them, then those rows can be used in another mosque.
Sayyida Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrates that she heard the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) saying:
لولا أن قومك حديثو عهد بالجاهلية لأنفقت كنز الكعبة فى سبيل الله ولجعلت بابها بالأرض ولأدخلت فيها من الحجر
If it were not for the fact that your people have just come out of a new form of ignorance, I would have spent the treasure dedicated for the Kaaba in the way of Allah, made its door level with the ground, and included the portion of the Hijr (Hatim) within the Kaaba.
Reference: Sahih Muslim: 1333
