Give in Charity, Avoid Stinginess

📖Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 2451, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 1029
Asma’ reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: Spend in charity and do not count it, lest Allah count it against you. Do not hoard it, lest Allah withhold from you.”

This hadith teaches a profound principle about generosity and trust in Allah. It encourages giving in charity without being calculating or hesitant. If a person counts or measures their giving with reluctance, they show a lack of trust in Allah, and it may be considered stingy. Conversely, if one hoards wealth excessively, relying only on it and not sharing, Allah may withhold blessings, guidance, and sustenance.

What “do not hoard” means:
To hoard means to excessively accumulate wealth, goods, or resources without using them for good causes, charity, or helping others. Islam discourages hoarding because wealth is a trust from Allah, meant to benefit not only oneself but also the community. Hoarding shows selfishness and lack of gratitude for Allah’s provisions.

Why hoarding is warned against:
The hadith emphasizes that wealth should circulate. Hoarding prevents the blessings of wealth from reaching its full potential. Allah may withhold further provision as a consequence of selfishness, as the heart becomes attached to wealth rather than to faith and reliance on Allah.

What we learn from this today:

1. Charity should be done sincerely, without counting or hesitating.
2. Wealth is a means to serve others and gain Allah’s pleasure, not just personal security.
3. Avoid greed and excessive accumulation—give to help those in need.
4. Trust that Allah will provide if we spend sincerely in His cause.

Quranic Context:

📖Quran 2:261
The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed of grain that sprouts seven ears; in every ear is a hundred grains. Allah multiplies for whom He wills, and Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.

📖Quran 57:7
Believe in Allah and His Messenger and spend out of what He has made you successors. Those who have believed among you and spent will have a great reward.

📖Quran 9:34-35
Give good news of a painful torment to those who hoard gold and silver and do not spend it in Allah’s cause.

Allah will bring punishment to those who hoard wealth, it doesn’t necessarily mean only a visible, immediate disaster—it can happen in multiple, often subtle ways:

1. Barakah (Blessing) is withheld:
   Wealth that is hoarded loses its spiritual and material blessing. You may have a lot of money, but it doesn’t grow, doesn’t bring real benefit, or gets wasted. The Qur’an often links blessings (barakah) to generosity.
2. Life hardships:
   Hoarding can create situations where a person faces stress, anxiety, or financial problems despite having money. This is a form of divine punishment, showing that wealth alone cannot guarantee security or happiness.
3. Spiritual punishment:
   Hoarding hardens the heart, increases attachment to the material world, and distances the person from Allah. This spiritual harm is a serious form of punishment because it affects the Hereafter.
4. Social consequences:
   When wealth is hoarded, it harms the community. People may suffer, and the hoarder can face social resentment, isolation, or loss of trust. Islam teaches that communal wellbeing is tied to individual responsibility.

This hadith, combined with the Quranic teachings, teaches us that wealth is a trust, meant to be spent wisely and generously. Counting charity or hoarding wealth blocks blessings, while sincere giving opens the door to mercy, guidance, and prosperity.