Superiority of alms and donations
Since 2012-11-17
Reminding Muslims of the superiority of alms and donations, and bringing people out of discomforts
Reminding Muslims of the superiority of alms and donations, and bringing people out of discomforts
In the Name of Allah, and Allah’s prayers and peace upon the best of mankind, Muhammad Ibn ‘Abdullah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him.
In these days, we live under the conditions of spreading hardship and high prices, and trouble and suffering in pursuit of living and sustenance; and giving in charity at that time is a virtuous and glorious deed. There are, among us, some people who have none to aid them, and find almost nothing to sustain themselves; and none knows their state but Allah Almighty. Those are our brothers whom we are responsible for (and will be questioned about in the hereafter). Whoever likes to verify, let him review the charities, and see by himself how many files they have of those in destitution. We now are in a wrongful harsh material age, surrounded by temptations and afflictions, to the extent that the rich neighbor almost knows nothing about his poor destitute neighbor, or even his poor needy relative, let alone the far destitute!
It is within this context that we should remember together the good merits of bringing Muslims out of discomforts, and the great rewards of giving in charity.
Let me start my speech with a story titled ‘A Morsel by a Morsel’, which goes as follows:
There was a woman and she had a son who was absent from her for a long time so that she had no hope for his return. One day, she sat eating. By the time she had cut a morsel from the loaf and raised her hand to put it into her mouth, a beggar stood by her door, asking for food. She abstained from eating and rather carried the morsel along with the whole loaf and gave it in charity, and remained hungry for the rest of the day and night.
A few days later, her son returned and told her about the great calamities he had undergone. He said: “The hardest incident happened to me a few days earlier, where I was walking through a particular way in a desert when a lion came out and attacked me from over the back of a donkey I was riding, and the donkey fled away. The lion thrust his talons into a patched covering which was over me, a garment and a cloak I was putting on, but did not harm my body. I was put to confusion and about to grow mad while the lion was carrying me and then got me into a cave and lay on me in order to prey me. But behold! I saw a very huge person of white face and clothes , who came and caught hold of the lion although he had no weapon, and lifted it and then struck it against the ground and said: “Go away, O scoundrel! That is a morsel by a morsel.” The lion stood and ran away.
I came to my senses and when I sought after the man, I did not find him. I sat for hours in my place until I restored my power. I checked myself, and found that no harm had befallen me. I walked until I caught the caravan in which I was. They were amazed when they saw me, and I related to them my story. But I did not know the significance of the man’s statement ‘That is a morsel by a morsel’.” The woman thought and detected that this happened at the very moment she got out the morsel from her mouth and gave it in charity.
The charity always extinguishes the anger of the Lord (in the same way as water extinguishes the fire), and, by permission of Allah, saves the almsgiver from destructive afflictions, averts disasters, and causes Allah to bless one in his lifetime. It may be that a single object of charity, by permission of Allah Almighty, would keep off great calamities. So, we should not look down on any object of charity, whatever little it might be, The prophet peace be upon him said: “Safeguard yourselves from the fire with (giving in charity) even half a date.” [Reported by Bukhari]
The charity always extinguishes the anger of the Lord (in the same way as water extinguishes the fire), and, by permission of Allah, saves the almsgiver from destructive afflictions, averts disasters, and causes Allah to bless one in his lifetime. It may be that a single object of charity, by permission of Allah Almighty, would keep off great calamities. So, we should not look down on any object of charity, whatever little it might be, The prophet peace be upon him said: “Safeguard yourselves from the fire with (giving in charity) even half a date.” [Reported by Bukhari]
«اتقوا النار ولو بشق تمرة» رواه البخاري
This mother who was concerned with the long absence of her son so much that she despaired of his return, gave in charity, and her object of charity for which she was in dire need, was a cause of saving her son from a certain death, as well as of his return safely. So, give in charity, for whatever is with Allah is better and more enduring.
Many are the good merits and rewards of deeds of charity and alms, of which a mention may be made of the following:
1- Allah Almighty says: {By no means shall you attain Al-Birr (piety, righteousness - here it means Allâh’s Reward, i.e. Paradise), unless you spend (in Allâh’s Cause) of that which you love; and whatever of good you spend, Allâh knows it well.} [Surat Al-’Imran 3:92]
{لَنْ تَنَالُوا الْبِرَّ حَتَّى تُنْفِقُوا مِمَّا تُحِبُّونَ وَمَا تُنْفِقُوا مِنْ شَيْءٍ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ بِهِ عَلِيمٌ} آل عمران: 92
Transliteration: Lan tanaloo albirra hatta tunfiqoo mimma tuhibboona wama tunfiqoo min shayin fainna Allaha bihi AAaleemun
2- Allah Almighty further says: {Allâh will destroy Ribâ (usury) and will give increase for Sadaqât (deeds of charity, alms, etc.).} [Surat Al-Baqarah 2:276]
{يَمْحَقُ اللَّهُ الرِّبَا وَيُرْبِي الصَّدَقَاتِ} البقرة: 276
Transliteration: Yamhaqu Allahu alrriba wayurbee alssadaqati
3- Allah Almighty also says: {Take Sadaqah (alms) from their wealth in order to purify them and sanctify them with it.} [Surat At-Taubah:103]
{خُذْ مِنْ أَمْوَالِهِمْ صَدَقَةً تُطَهِّرُهُمْ وَتُزَكِّيهِمْ بِهَا} سورة التوبة: 103
Transliteration: Khuth min amwalihim sadaqatan tutahhiruhum watuzakkeehim
4- The Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, said: “Allah Almighty says: ‘Spend (in charity), so that I would spend on you (in recompense for it).’” [Reported by Ahmad, Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
«قال الله عز وجل: أنفق أنفق عليك» رواه أحمد والبخاري ومسلم
5- Allah Almighty says: {If you disclose your Sadaqât (almsgiving), it is well; but if you conceal them and give them to the poor, that is better for you. (Allâh) will expiate you some of your sins. And Allâh is Well-Acquainted with what you do.} [Surat Al-Baqarah 2:271]
{إِنْ تُبْدُوا الصَّدَقَاتِ فَنِعِمَّا هِيَ وَإِنْ تُخْفُوهَا وَتُؤْتُوهَا الْفُقَرَاءَ فَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَكُمْ وَيُكَفِّرُ عَنْكُمْ مِنْ سَيِّئَاتِكُمْ وَاللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِيرٌ} سورة البقرة: 271
Transliteration: In tubdoo alssadaqati faniAAimma hiya wain tukhfooha watutooha alfuqaraa fahuwa khayrun lakum wayukaffiru AAankum min sayyiatikum waAllahu bima taAAmaloona khabeerun
6- The Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, said: “No doubt, the deeds of favor safeguard one from the evil death; and concealed almsgiving extinguishes the anger of the Lord Almighty; and maintaining kinship ties increases in the age.” [Reported by Al-Munthiri with a good chain of Narrators]
«صنائع المعروف تقي مصارع السوء وصدقة السر تطفئ غضب الرب وصلة الرحم تزيد في العمر» رواه المنذري بإسناد حسن
7- Allah Almighty says: {Say: “Truly, my Lord enlarges the provision for whom He wills of His slaves, and (also) restricts (it) for him, and whatsoever you spend of anything (in Allâh’s Cause), He will replace it. And He is the Best of providers.”} [Saba’ 34:39]
{قُلْ إِنَّ رَبِّي يَبْسُطُ الرِّزْقَ لِمَنْ يَشَاءُ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ وَيَقْدِرُ لَهُ وَمَا أَنْفَقْتُمْ مِنْ شَيْءٍ فَهُوَ يُخْلِفُهُ وَهُوَ خَيْرُ الرَّازِقِينَ} سبأ: 39
Transliteration: Qul inna rabbee yabsutu alrrizqa liman yashao min AAibadihi wayaqdiru lahu wama anfaqtum min shayin fahuwa yukhlifuhu wahuwa khayru alrraziqeena
8- The Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, said: “There is no one of you except that Allah will speak to when there will be no interpreter between him and Allah. Then he will look to his right and see nothing but (his deeds) which he had forwarded. Then he will look to his left and see nothing but (his deeds) which he had forwarded. Then he will look in front of him, and see nothing but hellfire facing him. So, save yourself from hellfire even if it was by half a date (given as Alms).” [Reported by Muslim]
«ما منكم من أحدٍ إلا سيكلمه الله، ليس بينه وبينه ترجمان، فينظر أيمن منه فلا يرى إلا ما قدم، فينظر أشأم منه فلا يرى إلا ما قدم، فينظر بين يديه فلا يرى إلا النار تلقاء وجهه، فاتقوا النار ولو بشق تمرة» رواه مسلم
9- The Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, said: “Concealed almsgiving extinguishes the anger of the Lord Almighty.” [Reported Al-Albani, good due to other narrations]
«إن صدقة السر تطفيء غضب الرب تبارك و تعالى» الألباني، حسن لغيره
10- The Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, said: “…and (giving in) charity extinguishes (i.e. plots out) the sin the same way water extinguishes fire.” [Reported by At-Tirmidhi and authenticated by Al-Albani]
«والصدقة تطفىء الخطيئة كما يطفىء الماء النار» رواه الترمذي، وصححه الألباني
11- It is narrated on the authority of ‘Uqbah Ibn ‘Amir, may Allah be pleased with him, that he said: I heard the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, having said: “Every man (almsgiver) will be in the shade of his charity until the cases of the people are judged.” [Reported by Al-Munthiri, Isnaduh Sahih or Hasan]
«كل امرىء في ظل صدقته، حتى يقضى بين الناس» رواه المنذري، اسناده صحيح او حسن
Yazid said: “Being so, Abu Marthad, may Allah be pleased with him, never failed to give in charity everyday, even if it was a loaf or an onion.” Moreover, the seven whom Allah Almighty will give shade on the day there will be no shade but His, include “a man who gives in charity and conceals it (to such an extent) that the left hand does not know what the right has given.” [Reported by Al-Bukhari]
«رجل تصدق بصدقة فأخفاها، حتى لا تعلم شماله ما تنفق يمينه» رواه البخاري
12- The Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, said: “There is No (new) day rises upon the servants but that two angels descend, and one of them says: “O Allah! Give recompense to the charitable (who spends in Your Cause)”, and the other says: “O Allah! Damage the (property of the) miser.” [Reported by Al-Bukhari]
«ما من يوم يصبح العباد فيه إلا ملكان ينزلان فيقول أحدهما: اللهم أعط منفقًا خلفاً، ويقول الآخر: اللهم أعط ممسكًا تلفًا» رواه البخاري
13- The Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, said: “No charity (to be given) ever decreases the property.” [Muslim]
«ما نقصت صدقة من مال» رواه مسلم
14- Allah Almighty says: {And whatever you spend in good, it is for yourselves, when you spend not except seeking Allâh’s Countenance. And whatever you spend in good, it will be repaid to you in full, and you shall not be wronged.} [Surat Al-Baqarah:272]
{وَمَا تُنفِقُواْ مِنْ خَيْرٍ فَلأنفُسِكُمْ وَمَا تُنفِقُونَ إِلَّا ابْتِغَاءَ وَجْهِ اللَّـهِ ۚ وَمَا تُنفِقُوا مِنْ خَيْرٍ يُوَفَّ إِلَيْكُمْ وَأَنتُمْ لَا تُظْلَمُونَ} سورة البقرة: 272
Transliteration: wama tunfiqoo min khayrin falianfusikum wama tunfiqoona illa ibtighaa wajhi Allahi wama tunfiqoo min khayrin yuwaffa ilaykum waantum la tuthlamoona
15- The Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, asked ‘A’ishah, may Allah be pleased with her about what remained of the sheep they had slaughtered, thereupon she said: “Nothing remained thereof except its shoulder.” On that he said: “No, (the right is to say that) the whole of it remains except its shoulder.” [Reported by At-Tirmidhi] he said so in reference to the fact that what is with Allah is enduring.
«سأل النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم عائشة رضي الله عنها عن الشاة التي ذبحوها ما بقى منها: قالت: “ما بقى منها إلاّ كتفها”. قال: «بقي كلها غير كتفها» رواه الترمذي
16- Allah, the Most Gracious, says: {Verily, those who give Sadaqât (i.e. Zakât and alms), men and women, and lend Allâh a goodly loan, it shall be increased manifold (to their credit), and theirs shall be an honourable good reward (i.e. Paradise).} [Surat al-Hadeed 57:18]
{إِنَّ الْمُصَّدِّقِينَ وَالْمُصَّدِّقَاتِ وَأَقْرَضُوا اللَّهَ قَرْضاً حَسَناً يُضَاعَفُ لَهُمْ وَلَهُمْ أَجْرٌ كَرِيمٌ} سورة الحديد: 18
Transliteration: Inna almussaddiqeena waalmussaddiqati waaqradoo Allaha qardan hasanan yudaAAafu lahum walahum ajrun kareemun
17- Allah, the King, says: {Who is he that will lend to Allâh a goodly loan so that He may multiply it to him many times? And it is Allâh that decreases or increases (your provisions), and unto Him you shall return.} [Surat Al-Baqarah 2:245]
{مَّن ذَا الَّذِي يُقْرِضُ اللّهَ قَرْضاً حَسَناً فَيُضَاعِفَهُ لَهُ أَضْعَافاً كَثِيرَةً وَاللّهُ يَقْبِضُ وَيَبْسُطُ وَإِلَيْهِ تُرْجَعُونَ} سورة البقرة: 245
Transliteration: Man tha allathee yuqridu Allaha qardan hasanan fayudaAAifahu lahu adAAafan katheeratan waAllahu yaqbidu wayabsutu wailayhi turjaAAoona
18- The Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, said: “Whoever gives two pairs (of things or property) in charity for Allah’s Cause, will be called from the gates of Paradise and will be addressed: “O servant of Allah! That is good.” So, whoever was of the people who used to offer their prayers will be called from the gate of prayer; and whoever was of the people who used to participate in Jihad will be called from the gate of Jihad; and whoever was of those who used to observe fasts will be called from the gate of Ar-Rayyan; and whoever was of those who used to give in charity will be called from the gate of charity.” Abu Bakr said: “Let my parents be sacrificed for you, O Messenger of Allah! No distress or need will befall him who will be called from those gates. Will there be any one to be called from all these gates?” The Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, replied: “Yes, and I hope you will be one of them.” [Agreed upon]
«من أنفق زوجين في سبيل الله، نودي في الجنة يا عبد الله، هذا خير: فمن كان من أهل الصلاة دُعي من باب الصلاة، ومن كان من أهل الجهاد دُعي من باب الجهاد، ومن كان من أهل الصدقة دُعي من باب الصدقة، ومن كان من أهل الصيام دُعي من باب الريان». قال أبو بكر: “يا رسول الله، ما على من دُعي من تلك الأبواب من ضرورة فهل يُدعى أحد من تلك الأبواب كلها”، قال: «نعم وأرجو أن تكون منهم» في الصحيحين
19- The Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, set forth an example for a miser and a charitable person by comparing them to two men wearing two iron cloaks from their breasts till the necks. Whenever the charitable man tries to give a charitable gift, his iron cloak expands till it becomes so wide that it will cover his fingertips and obliterate his tracks; And whenever the miser wants to give a charitable gift, his cloak becomes very tight over him and every ring gets stuck to its place, and if he tries to widen (the opening of his shirt) it will not widen. [Reported by Al-Bukhari]
«مثل البخيل والمنفق، كمثل رجلين، عليهما جبتان من حديد، من ثديهما إلى تراقيهما، فأما المنفق: فلا ينفق إلا سبغت، أو وفرت على جلده، حتى تخفي بنانه، وتعفو أثره. وأما البخيل: فلا يريد أن ينفق شيئا إلا لزقت كل حلقة مكانها، فهو يوسعها ولا تتسع ويشير بإصبعه إلى حلقه» رواه البخاري
that is because every time a charitable person gives in charity, he rejoice, and his heart is delighted, in the same way as the iron cloak widens on him. With every object a charitable person gives in charity, he cheers up, and gets happy, glad and pleased; and were there no benefit in the charity other than this, a servant would be entitled to multiply his charity, and hasten to give it.
20- Allah Almighty says: {And whosoever is saved from his own covetousness, such are they who will be the successful.} [Surat Al-Hashr 59:9]
{وَمَن يُوقَ شُحَّ نَفسِهِ فَأُوْلَئِكَ هُمُ المُفْلِحُونَ} سورة الحشر: 9
Transliteration: waman yooqa shuhha nafsihi faolaika humu almuflihoona
21- Allah, full of Majesty and Honor, says: {Verily, Allâh has purchased of the believers their lives and their properties for (the price) that theirs shall be the Paradise. They fight in Allâh’s Cause, so they kill (others) and are killed. It is a promise in truth which is binding on Him in the Taurât (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel) and the Qur’ân. And who is truer to his covenant than Allâh? Then rejoice in the bargain which you have concluded. That is the supreme success.} [surat At-Taubah 9:111]
{إِنَّ اللهَ اشْتَرَى مِنَ المُؤمِنِينَ أَنفُسَهُمْ وَأَمْوَالَهُم بِأَنَ لَهُمُ الْجَنَّةَ يُقَاتِلُونَ فِى سَبِيلِ اللهِ فَيَقْتُلُونَ وَيُقتَلُونَ وَعداً عَلَيْهِ حَقّاً فِى التَّورَاةِ وَالإِنجِيلِ وَالقُرءَانِ وَمَنْ أَوفَى بِعَهدِهِ مِنَ اللهِ فَاستَبشِرُواْ بِبَيعِكُمُ الَّذِى بَايَعتُم بِهِ وَذَلِكَ هُوَ الفَوزُ العَظِيمُ} سورة التوبة: 111
Transliteration: Inna Allaha ishtara mina almumineena anfusahum waamwalahum bianna lahumu aljannata yuqatiloona fee sabeeli Allahi fayaqtuloona wayuqtaloona waAAdan AAalayhi haqqan fee alttawrati waalinjeeli waalqurani waman awfa biAAahdihi mina Allahi faistabshiroo bibayAAikumu allathee bayaAAtum bihi wathalika huwa alfawzu alAAatheemu
22- The Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, used to advise the merchants saying: “O fellow of merchants! Falsehood and (deceptive) oaths always prevail in your transactions. So, assuage (the evil of those sins) with (giving in) charity.” [Reported by Abu Dawud and Authenticated by Albani]
«يا معشر التجار، إنَّ هذا البيع يحضره اللغو والحلف فشوبوه بالصدقة» رواه أبو داود وصححه الألباني
23- Allah Almighty says: {If you disclose your Sadaqât (almsgiving), it is well; but if you conceal them and give them to the poor, that is better for you. (Allâh) will expiate you some of your sins. And Allâh is Well-Acquainted with what you do.} [Surat Al-Baqarah 2:271]
{إِن تُبْدُواْ الصَّدَقَاتِ فَنِعِمَّا هِىَ وَإِن تُخْفُوهَا وَتؤْتُوهَا الفُقَرَاءِ فَهُوَ خَيرٌ لَّكُمْ} سورة البقرة: 271
Transliteration: In tubdoo alssadaqati faniAAimma hiya wain tukhfooha watutooha alfuqaraa fahuwa khayrun lakum
24- The Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, said: “If a Muslim spends anything on his family, expecting the reward of Allah for it, it will be counted a charity for him.” [Agreed upon]
«إذا أنفق المسلم نفقة على أهله، وهو يحتسبها، كانت له صدقة» متفق عليه
the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, further said: “If you spend four Dinars (in charity): you give one to a needy, spend one to emancipate a slave, one in the Cause of Allah, and one on your family, then, the best of them all is that you spend on your family.” [Reported by Al-Albani]
«أربعة دنانير: دينار أعطيته مسكينا، ودينار أعطيته في رقبةٍ، ودينار أنفقته في سبيل الله، ودينار أنفقته على أهلك، أفضلها الدينار الذي أنفقته على أهلك» رواه الألباني
25- The charity to be given by one while being at full strength and good health is better than a bequest he makes after his death, or the alms he gives during his fatal illness when he is at the threshold of death, as confirmed in the Hadith that a man asked the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him: “O Messenger of Allah! Which charity is the most superior in reward?” He replied: “The charity which you practice while you are healthy, niggardly and afraid of poverty and wish to become wealthy. Do not delay it to the time of approaching death and then say, ‘Give such and such to so and so, and such and such to so and so, and such and such has already belonged to so and so (as it is too late).” [Reported by Al-Bukhari; and Muslim in another wording)
قال رجل للنبي صلى الله عليه وسلم: “يا رسول الله، أي الصدقة أفضل؟، قال: «أن تصدق وأنت صحيح حريص، تأمل الغنى، وتخشى الفقر، ولا تمهل، حتى إذا بلغت الحلقوم، قلت: لفلان كذا، ولفلان كذا، وقد كان لفلان» رواه البخاري وبلفظ آخر لمسلم
26- The Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, said: “(There is a reward for) the charity when it is given to a needy as a charity, and a double when it is given to a relative, as a charity and a means of maintaining kinship ties.” [Reported by Al-Mundhiri, and authenticated by Albani as Sahih]
«الصدقة على المسكين صدقة وعلى ذوي الرحم ثنتان صدقة وصلة» رواه المنذري، وصححه الألباني
27- The Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, advised Abu Dharr, may Allah be pleased with him, saying: “If you cook broth, increase the (amount of) its water and give your neighbor thereof (as a gift).” [Reported by Muslim]
«إذا طبخت مرقة، فأكثر ماءها، وتعاهد جيرانك» رواه مسلم
28- The Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, said: “The best Dinar is that which one spends on his dependents, that which he spends on his riding mount in the Cause of Allah, and that which he spends on his companions in the Cause of Allah.” [Reported by Al-Albani]
«أفضل الدنانير: دينار ينفقه الرجل على عياله، و دينار ينفقه الرجل على دابته في سبيل الله، و دينار ينفقه الرجل على أصحابه في سبيل الله عز و جل» رواه الألباني
29- Allah Almighty says: {March forth, whether you are light (being healthy, young and wealthy) or heavy (being ill, old and poor), and strive hard with your wealth and your lives in the Cause of Allâh. This is better for you, if you but knew.} [Surat At-Taubah 9:41]
{انفِرُواْ خِفَافاً وَثِقَالاً وَجَاهِدُواْبِأَموَالِكُمْ وَأَنفُسِكُمْ فِي سَبِيلِ اللهِ ذَلِكُمْ خَيرٌ لَّكُمْ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ} سورة التوبة: 41
Transliteration: Infiroo khifafan wathiqalan wajahidoo biamwalikum waanfusikum fee sabeeli Allahi thalikum khayrun lakum in kuntum taAAlamoona
30- The Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, said: “If man dies, his entire deed will cease (to function forever) except three: an ongoing charity, a beneficial knowledge, and a righteous child to supplicate (Allah to a good effect) for him.” [Reported by Al-Albani]
«إذا مات الإنسان انقطع عمله إلاّ من ثلاث: صدقة جارية، أو علم ينتفع به، أو ولد صالح يدعو له» رواه الألباني
31- Allah Almighty says:{And what is the matter with you that you spend not in the Cause of Allâh? And to Allâh belongs the heritage of the heavens and the earth. Not equal among you are those who spent and fought before the conquering (of Makkah, with those among you who did so later). Such are higher in degree than those who spent and fought afterwards. But to all Allâh has promised the best (reward). And Allâh is All-Aware of what you do. Who is he that will lend Allâh a goodly loan: then (Allâh) will increase it manifold to his credit (in repaying), and he will have (besides) a good reward (i.e. Paradise).} [Surat Al-Hadeed 57:10-11]
{وَمَا لَكُمْ أَلاَّ تُنفِقُوا فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ وَلِلَّهِ مِيرَاثُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالأَرْضِ لا يَسْتَوِي مِنكُم مَّنْ أَنفَقَ مِن قَبْلِ الْفَتْحِ وَقَاتَلَ أُوْلَئِكَ أَعْظَمُ دَرَجَةً مِّنَ الَّذِينَ أَنفَقُوا مِن بَعْدُ وَقَاتَلُوا وَكُلاًّ وَعَدَ اللَّهُ الْحُسْنَى وَاللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِيرٌ (10) مَن ذَا الَّذِي يُقْرِضُ اللَّهَ قَرْضًا حَسَنًا فَيُضَاعِفَهُ لَهُ وَلَهُ أَجْرٌ كَرِيمٌ} سورة الحديد: 11-10
Transliteration: Wama lakum alla tunfiqoo fee sabeeli Allahi walillahi meerathu alssamawati waalardi la yastawee minkum man anfaqa min qabli alfathi waqatala olaika aAAthamu darajatan mina allatheena anfaqoo min baAAdu waqataloo wakullan waAAada Allahu alhusna waAllahu bima taAAmaloona khabeerun (10) Man tha allathee yuqridu Allaha qardan hasanan fayudaAAifahu lahu walahu ajrun kareemun
32- It is narrated on the authority of Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, that he said: the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, said: “From among the faithful believer’s deeds and good things that join him after his death are: a (portion of) knowledge he teaches and publicizes (during his lifetime); a good righteous child he leaves; a Mus’haf (copy of the Holy Qur’an) which he leaves as heritage; a Masjid he builds (for the sake of Allah); a house he constructs for the wayfarer; a stream he (digs and) causes water to flow in it; or (an object of) charity he gives out of his property during his lifetime, while he is at full strength and good health: (the positive effects and rewards of all of that) join him after his death.” [Reported by Al-Munthiri: At-Targhib Wat-Tarhib]
«إن مما يلحق المؤمن من عمله وحسناته بعد موته علما علمه ونشره، أو ولدا صالحا تركه، أو مصحفا ورثه، أو مسجدا بناه، أو بيتا لابن السبيل بناه، أو نهرا أجراه، أو صدقة أخرجها من ماله في صحته وحياته تلحقه بعد موته» رواه المنذري: الترغيب والترهيب
Almsgiving has different kinds and forms, of which a mention may be made of the following:
· To build Masjid.
· To provide water.
· To take care of orphans.
· To feed the needy.
· To dig wells.
· To prepare Mujahids (fighters in the cause of Allah).
· To look after students.
· To build Islamic centers.
· To publish Mus’hafs.
· To provide medicine.
· To build health centers.
· To spend on Da’wah in the Cause of Allah.
· To send destitute Muslims to Hajj or ‘Umrah.
· To provide for medicine of a Muslim.
· To build centers for teaching the Qur’an.
· To dress a poor.
· To sow the cultivated earth for the poor.
· To construct residences.
· To contribute in marrying the poor, be they male or female.
· To fulfill debt on behalf of a poor.
· To give respite, or even exempt an insolvent (from his debt).
· To smile in the face of your brother.
· To feed a bird or an animal.
· To spend on your family, wife and children.
This is but a very little of the endless series of forms and kinds of charity. Furthermore, do not look down upon what you give, regardless of being little, for it is narrated that the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, said: “…even with half a date”, and it may be that a single Dirham (to be given in charity) has over weighted (in reward) one thousand Dirhams, and Allah multiplies good for whomever He likes: Exalted be He, and what is with Him is better and more enduring. So, my dear brother, install a fund in your house called the fund of alms and donations, and teach your wife and children to give alms and donations, in order to establish within them this praiseworthy characteristic, seeking the good pleasure of Allah Almighty. When the fund is full, inform them about the sides to which the money in it will be directed, and the things on which it will be spent, and make them share their opinions in this issue.
I started my speech with a story, and let me end it with another which goes as follows:
It is narrated on the authority of Al-Fudayl Ibn ‘Ayad that he said: It was related to me that a man came out with spun threads which he sold for one Dirham, and on his way to buy powder with it, he came upon two fighting men, each of whom was catching hold of the head of the other. He asked about the matter, and he was told that they were fighting for the sake of a Dirham. He gave the Dirham he had to them, and he had nothing else. He returned home and told his wife of what had happened to him. She collected to him many things from the house with which he came out to sell, but they remained unsold with him. On his way, he passed by a man having a reeking fish. He said to him: “No doubt, you have something which remained unsold and so do I. what do you see if you sell me yours for mine?” he sold it to him.
The man returned home with the fish and said to his wife: “Deal with this fish and prepare it for us to eat, for we have got exhausted because of severe hunger.” The woman stood to prepare the fish and split it open and behold! she saw a pearl coming out from inside the fish. She said: “O my master! Something smaller than a hen’s egg and closer in size to a pigeon’s egg has come out of it.” he said: “Show it to me.” He looked and saw something he has never seen in his life. He was about to grow mad and fell in confusion. He said to his wife: “That is a pearl.” She asked him: “Do you know the value of pearl?” he said: “No, but I know who is well-versed in this matter.”
He took it to the men specialized in pearl, and went to a friend of his who was a jeweler. He greeted him and the man returned the greeting. He sat beside him and talked to him for some time and then took out the pearl and said to him: “Suggest a price for this.” He checked it and then said to him: “I take it from you for forty thousand (Dirhams). If you so like, I could give you the money immediately, and if you like more, then, go to so and so, who could give you better price.” He went with it to him and the latter checked it and it seemed pleasing in his eyes. Then he said to him: “I take it from you for eighty thousand (Dirhams). If you like more, then, go to so and so, who could give you better price.” He went with it to him and the man said to him: “I take it from you for one hundred and twenty thousand (Dirhams), and I do not think anyone else could give you more.” He agreed and the jeweler weighed the money for him and on that day he carried twelve parcels each containing ten thousand Dirhams. On his way to his house to put the money there, he saw a poor standing at the door of his house and begging (for something). He said: “He is suffering from the same conditions I had been suffering. Get in.” the poor man entered and he asked him to take half the money. The poor took six parcels and did not go far with them before he returned to him once again and said to him: “I am neither a poor nor a needy. But I have been sent to you by your Lord Almighty, Who rewarded you for the Dirham (you had given in charity) twenty Qirats (measurement unit). This (money you have gained out of the pearl) is but a single Qirat He has given to you, and kept with Him for you nineteen Qirats.”
It is Allah Almighty Whom I ask to make me and you of the charitable merciful almsgivers, and accept from us our deeds: Exalted be He.
Fadi Muhammad Yasin
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References:
1) Kama Tadeenu Tudan.
2) Zad Al-Mutaqeen (Provisions of the pious).
3) Flyer of Charity its virtues and types.
4) Al-Dorar As-Sunyah website.
References:
1) Kama Tadeenu Tudan.
2) Zad Al-Mutaqeen (Provisions of the pious).
3) Flyer of Charity its virtues and types.
4) Al-Dorar As-Sunyah website.
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