Excellence of generosity - IV

Excellence of generosity-IV

Spending of money is a means of increase in bounty

[2735/9]-It is narrated (in a Hadith Qudsi) on the authority of Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (May Allah be well pleased with him) (in this manner) that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said:  Almighty Allah has said:  O progeny of Adam.  You keep spending and I will keep giving you (in the world and in the hereafter, because spending is giving thanks for financial bounties and thankfulness causes the bounty to increase) (as stated in Mirqaat and Ash’atul Lama’aat)

Bukhari and Muslim have unanimously related this Hadith.

Warning on hoarding wealth

[2736/10]-It is narrated on the authority of Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (May Allah be well pleased with him) that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) (once) came to Hadhrat Bilal (May Allah be well pleased with him).  At that time, he had a heap of dates in front of him.  (On seeing this) The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) asked:  What is this, o Bilal?  Hadhrat Bilal said:  These dates, which I have saved for the future.  (On this) The Prophet said:  O Bilal!  Do you not fear that this (heap of dates) should, on the Day of Judgment, become the smoke of hellfire and surround you (and also said:) O Bilal!  Keep spending and have no fear of starvation or poverty from the Lord of the (majestic) ‘Arsh (these words are to teach absolute reliance on Almighty Allah, otherwise it is permissible to store for 1 year for one’s dependents as stated in Mirqaat and Ash’atul Lama’aat)

Bayhaqui has related this Hadith in Shu’abul Imaan.

Description of giving away in charity anything more than one’s needs and to start spending with one’s near and dear

[2737/11]-It is narrated on the authority of Hadhrat Abu Umaamah (May Allah be well pleased with him), he says that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said:  O progeny of Adam!  It is better for you to spend whatever wealth is more than your needs and storing (whatever wealth is more than your needs) is bad for you.  There is no fear of blame on storing (what is absolutely necessary).  Start (spending) with one’s near and dear (who are under your care).

Muslim has related this Hadith.

It is written in Radd ul Muhtaar that it is Commendable to give away in charity whatever wealth one has more over and above what is necessary for one’s near and dear.  However, if someone gives away in charity that wealth which was necessary for the care of his near and dear and they have to bear difficulties because of this, then that person will be considered to have sinned with that charity.

 

[Excerpted from Noor ul Masabeeh, Vol. 4, Kitaab uz Zakaat]

[The earlier parts of this series ran here: 1, 2 & 3]