12 Hadiths on Charity: Lessons from the Prophet (PBUH)

The primary goal of charity in Islam is to earn Allah's approval and achieve inner spiritual fulfillment.

Generosity and virtue closely tied to charity, is at the heart of Islamic teachings. Many hadith on charity underscore the significance of giving, showing us that it is not just about helping others but also about enhancing our spiritual growth.

But what did the Prophet (PBUH) say about charity? Why does it hold such significance? 

Here are twelve enlightening hadiths that highlight the importance of charity in Islam:

1. Charity in Everyday Acts

On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) who said:

The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Every joint of a person must perform a charity each day that the sun rises: to judge justly between two people is a charity.

To help a man with his mount, lifting him onto it or hoisting up his belongings onto it, is a charity. And the good word is charity. And every step that you take towards the prayer is a charity, and removing a harmful object from the road is a charity.”

Hadith 26, 40 Hadith an-Nawawi

Key Takeaways:

• There are different ways of charity that aren't limited to giving money; it includes many simple daily acts.
  
• Judging fairly between two people is considered an act of charity.
  
• Assisting someone with a task, like helping with their mount, is also charity.
  
• Speaking kindly and removing obstacles from paths are acts of charity.
  

2. Moderation in Charity

It was narrated from 'Amr bin Shu'aib, from his father, that his grandfather said:

"Eat, give charity and clothe yourselves, without being extravagant, and without showing."

Sunan an-Nasa'i 2559
Book 23, Hadith 125
Vol. 3, Book 23, Hadith 2560

Key Takeaways:

• Charity should be given without extravagance or vanity.
  
• The key to charity is to maintain humility and avoid showing off.
  
• Charity doesn't require large donations; it's about giving what you can without excess.
  

3. Charity Beyond Life

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "When a man dies, his deeds come to an end except for three things: Sadaqah Jariyah (ceaseless charity); a knowledge which is beneficial, or a virtuous descendant who prays for him (for the deceased)." 

Riyad as-Salihin 1383
Book 12, Hadith 8

Key Takeaways:

• The benefit of charity continues even after one's death.
  
• Sadaqah Jariyah (ongoing charity), beneficial knowledge, and a righteous child who prays for the deceased.
  
• This hadith encourages us to consider how our deeds can continue to benefit others after we're gone.

4. Keep Charity a Secret

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

The Prophet (PBUH) said, "Seven are (the persons) whom Allah will give protection with His Shade* on the Day when there will be no shade except His Shade (i.e., on the Day of Resurrection), and they are: A just ruler; a youth who grew up with the worship of Allah; a person whose heart is attached to the mosque; two persons who love and meet each other and depart from each other for the sake of Allah;

a man whom a beautiful and high ranking woman seduces (for illicit relation), but he (rejects this offer by saying): 'I fear Allah'; a person who gives a charity and conceals it (to such an extent) that the left hand might not know what the right has given; and a person who remembers Allah in solitude and his eyes well up."

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

* The Shade of Allah to which this Hadith refers to is the shade of His Throne.

Riyad as-Salihin 658

Key Takeaways

• Giving charity without seeking recognition or praise is rewarded by Allah.
  
• Those who meet specific criteria, including giving charity secretly, will be granted divine protection.
  
• The hadith underscores the importance of purity and sincerity in acts of charity.

5. Small Acts of Charity Can Make a Difference

Narrated `Adi bin Hatim heard the Prophet saying:

"Save yourself from Hell-fire even by giving half a date-fruit to charity."

Sahih al-Bukhari 1417
Book 24, Hadith 21
Vol. 2, Book 24, Hadith 498

Key Takeaways:

• This short hadith on charity describes that even a small donation, like half a date, is considered charity.
  
• Giving charity, regardless of size, can shield one from punishment.
  
• The value of charity isn't in its size but in the intention and effort behind it.

6. The Divine Promise of Charity

On the authority of Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) from the Prophet (PBUH), who said:

Allah (SWT) said: “Spend (on charity), O son of Adam, and I shall spend on you.”

It was related by al-Bukhari (also by Muslim).

Hadith 11, 40 Hadith Qudsi

Key Takeaways

• Allah promises to repay those who give to charity with more.
  
• The call to charity is not just a religious duty but a promise of increased blessings.
  
• This hadith highlights the reciprocal relationship between charity and divine favor.

7. Charity Does Not Decrease Wealth

Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (PBUH) as saying:

“Charity does not decrease wealth, no one forgives another except that Allah increases his honor, and no one humbles himself for the sake of Allah except that Allah raises his status.”

‏Sahih Muslim 2588
Book 45, Hadith 90
Book 32, Hadith 6264

Key Takeaways

• Contrary to what some might think, giving charity does not reduce wealth; it can lead to increase and blessings.
  
• The hadith mentions other virtues, like forgiveness and humility, and their positive outcomes.
  
• Humility and charity are paths to elevated status in the eyes of Allah.

8. Sincerity in Charity

Narrated Abu Mas`ud:

When we were ordered to give alms, we began to work as porters (to earn something we could give in charity). Abu `Aqil came with one half of a Sa` (special measure for food grains) and another person brought more than he did. 

So the hypocrites said, "Allah is not in need of the alms of this (i.e. Abu `Aqil); and this other person did not give alms but for showing off." 

Then Allah revealed:'Those who criticize such of the Believers who give charity voluntarily and those who could not find to give in charity except what is available to them.' (9.79)

Sahih al-Bukhari 4668
Book 65, Hadith 190
Vol. 6, Book 60, Hadith 190

Key Takeaways:

• The story of porters working to give charity underscores the importance of effort and sincerity.
  
• The hypocrites' criticism reveals the importance of not judging the charity of others.
  
• This hadith shows that Allah values even the smallest contributions given with sincerity.
  

9. The Prophet's Love for Charity

Narrated Abu Huraira:

The Prophet said, "If I had gold equal to the mountain of Uhud, I would love that, before three days had passed, not a single Dinar thereof remained with me if I found somebody to accept it excluding some amount that I would keep for the payment of my debts.''

Sahih al-Bukhari 7228
Book 94, Hadith 3
Vol. 9, Book 90, Hadith 334

Key Takeaways:

• The Prophet (PBUH) expresses his desire to give away all his wealth in charity, keeping only what is needed to pay debts.
  
• This hadith highlights the eagerness to find those in need and give without holding back.
  
• The Prophet's attitude towards charity serves as an example of ultimate generosity and selflessness.

10. Charity and Fate

The Statement of Allah the Most High: "But he who is [a] greedy miser and thinks himself self-sufficient." (V.92:8)

Narrated Ali:

We were in the company of the Prophet (PBUH) and he said, "There is none among you but has his place written for him, either in Paradise or in the Hell-Fire." We said, "O Allah's Messenger (PBUH)! Shall we depend (on this fact and give up work)?" 

He replied, "No! Carry on doing good deeds, for everybody will find easy (to do) such deeds which will lead him to his destined place." Then the Prophet (PBUH) recited: 'As for him who gives (in charity) and keeps his duty to Allah, and believes in the Best reward. We will make smooth for him the path of ease....the path for evil.' (92.5-10)

Sahih al-Bukhari 4947
Book 65, Hadith 469
Vol. 6, Book 60, Hadith 472

Key Takeaways:

• Even though fate is written, the Prophet encourages people to do good deeds, including giving charity.
  
• The Quranic verses mentioned in this hadith reflect the value of giving in charity and keeping faith in Allah's plan.
  
• Charity and good deeds play a part in determining one's fate and destiny.

11. Charity Increases Ranks

Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying:

“Charity does not decrease wealth, no one forgives another except that Allah increases his honor, and no one humbles himself for the sake of Allah except that Allah raises his status.”

Sahih Muslim 2588
Book 45, Hadith 90
Book 32, Hadith 6264

Key Takeaways:

• This hadith reassures that giving charity will not lead to a decrease in wealth.
  
• When you forgive others, Allah increases your honor.
  
• Humbling yourself for Allah brings about higher status and recognition.

12. The Best Time for Charity

Narrated Abu Huraira:

A man asked the Prophet, "O Allah's Apostle! Which charity is best?" He replied. "To give in charity when you are healthy and greedy, hoping to be wealthy and afraid of becoming poor.

Don't delay giving in charity till the time when you are on the death bed when you say, 'Give so much to so and- so and so much to so-and so,' and at that time the property is not yours but it belongs to so-and-so (i.e. your inheritors).”

Sahih al-Bukhari 2748
Book 55, Hadith 11
Vol. 4, Book 51, Hadith 11

Key Takeaways:

• The best charity is given when you're healthy, eager for wealth, and fearful of poverty.
  
• This hadith cautions against delaying charity until one is on their deathbed, where giving no longer holds the same merit.
  
• The Prophet (PBUH) highlights that when charity is given on a deathbed, it is no longer as generous, as the property essentially belongs to the inheritors.

All in all, charity is not just about donating money; it's about demonstrating compassion, humility, and selfless acts of kindness. Hadith on charity show how even the smallest gestures can make a significant difference in our lives and the lives of others. They inspire us to think more about giving and helping others, reminding us to make these values a regular part of our lives.

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