Generosity and Charity

Sahih Muslim 1036
Abu Umama reported Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) as saying: O son of Adam, it is better for you if you spend your surplus (wealth), but if you withhold it, it is evil for you. There is (however) no reproach for you (if you withhold means necessary) for a living. And begin (charity) with your dependents; and the upper hand is better than the lower hand.

Explanation:

This hadith highlights the importance of charity and responsible financial management:

1. Spending Surplus Wealth – Islam encourages believers to spend from their extra wealth in charity rather than hoarding it. This benefits both society and the giver, as generosity earns great rewards.
2. No Blame for Necessities – Islam acknowledges that people have personal financial needs. One is not condemned for keeping what is necessary for survival and well-being.
3. Prioritizing Dependents – Charity should begin at home. Supporting one’s family and close dependents is a primary obligation before giving to others.
4. The Upper Hand is Better – Giving is superior to receiving. A self-sufficient person who gives is in a better position than one who depends on charity from others.

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Qur’anic Reference:

📖Surah Al-Baqarah (2:267)
“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 [only] while you would not take it [yourself] except with closed eyes. And know that Allah is Free of need and Praiseworthy.”

🔹 This verse encourages believers to give charity from the best of their wealth, not from leftovers or unwanted possessions.

📖Surah Al-Isra (17:29)
“And do not make your hand [as] chained to your neck, nor extend it completely, lest you sit in blame and poverty.”

🔹 Islam promotes moderation in spending—neither being too stingy nor wasteful.

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Why Doesn’t Allah Help Directly?

Many people wonder why Allah does not directly provide for the poor and needy instead of relying on human charity. The answer lies in several key concepts:

1. A Test for Humanity –
   📖 Surah Al-Ankabut (29:2)
   “Do the people think that they will be left to say, ‘We believe’ without being tested?”
   🔹 Wealth is a test. The rich are tested by whether they share, and the poor are tested by their patience and faith.

2. Building a Compassionate Society –
   📖 Surah Al-Hashr (59:7)
   “…so that it will not merely circulate among the rich among you…”
   🔹 If Allah gave directly, there would be no need for generosity, kindness, or empathy. Society functions better when people help each other.

3. Free Will and Moral Responsibility –
   📖 Surah Adh-Dhariyat (51:19)
   “And in their wealth was a right for the beggar and the deprived.”
   🔹 Allah has commanded humans to care for each other, making charity a duty rather than just a voluntary act.

4. Spiritual Growth Through Giving –
   📖 Surah Al-Baqarah (2:261)
   “The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed of grain that grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills.”
   🔹 Giving in charity purifies wealth, increases blessings, and brings spiritual rewards.

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Conclusion:

Allah does not help directly because He has created a system where humans are responsible for one another. Charity is a test, a moral duty, and a way to create empathy and social balance. The best form of charity is given sincerely and starts with one’s own family.