In the Name of Allāh.

The call to spend in the Cause of Allāh, both in voluntary and compulsory charity, is a foundational principle of Islām. Allāh says: “And Spend (in charity) of that with which We have provided you before death comes to one of you…” [Sūrah Al-Munafiqūn (63): 10]

However, the allure of materialism (i.e., worldly possessions) and the deception of Shayṭān can lure one into stinginess. Many people, with their erroneous philosophies, ideologies, policies, and theories, prefer not to spend on a laudable cause. We must resist the temptation to hoard our wealth and instead open our hearts and hands to those in need.

Allāh says: “Behold! You are those who are called to spend in the Cause of Allāh, yet among you are some who are niggardly. And whoever is niggardly, it is only at the expense of his own self. But Allāh is Rich (Free of all wants), and you (mankind) are poor. And if you turn away (from Islām and the obedience of Allāh), He will exchange you for some other people, and they will not be your likes.” [Sūrah Muḥammad (47): 38]

But then, it is doleful to see those who are niggard (to spend in the Cause of Allāh) when they spend profligately on worthless things (that won’t benefit them in the Hereafter). Allāh warns: “…And waste not by extravagance. Verily, He likes not Al-Musrifūn (those who waste by extravagance).” [Sūrah Al-An’ām (6):141]

Indeed, Allāh warns us against the perils of niggardliness and extravagance, reminding us that the true measure of a man is not in the wealth he amasses but in the hearts that he touches and the lives he enriches through his kindness and generosity.

I beseech Allāh to make us heed this reminder with sincerity and guide us to spend in His Cause, giving freely and generously with open hearts and hands, not only for the sake of our salvation but for the greater good of the Ummah and the world. Aameen

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