Etiquette of Spending in the Cause of Allah
Spending in the way of Allah -the Exalted- is considered one of the most elevated forms of worship. It encompasses both obligatory zakat and voluntary charitable acts. The significance of zakat is underscored by its being mentioned alongside prayer in twenty-eight distinct verses of the Qur’an. For Muslims, there are specific etiquettes to observe in their giving, both in relation to Allah -the Exalted- and to the recipients of charity.
Engaging in charitable acts is a noble act of worship, and those who contribute should uphold certain etiquettes, which include the following:
- Sincerity of intention for Allah -the Exalted- when giving charity.
Charity should solely aim to please Allah -the Exalted-. It is impermissible to perform acts of charity for the sake of show, personal gain, or any other transactional purpose, as it is a form of worship that necessitates pure intentions aimed at Allah -the Exalted-.
- The charity given should be sourced from lawful and good earnings.
Contributions must come from halal (permissible) means, not from haram (forbidden) sources, as Allah -the Exalted- only accepts that which is good. The Prophet Muhammad -peace be upon him- stated: “O people, indeed Allah is Good and does not accept anything but that which is good.”
- The charity offered should be beneficial and of quality.
The ideal contribution is one of the finest possessions the believer has. Allah -the Exalted- commands: “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 thereof, spending from that while you would not take it yourself unless you avert your eyes from it. And know that Allah is Free of need and Praiseworthy.”
- Anticipate rewards from Allah -the Exalted- for the act of giving.
One should not expect gratitude or acknowledgment from anyone other than Allah -the Exalted- for their contributions.
- The act of charity should be viewed as a manifestation of gratitude towards Allah -the Exalted-.
This acknowledges Allah’s generous provisions and the ability to give to others, and it is important to express thanks to Allah -the Exalted- for facilitating such righteous deeds.
- Humility in giving charity to Allah -the Exalted-.
One should not give out of arrogance, believing they are providing something significant to their Lord, as Allah -the Exalted- is self-sufficient and does not require anything from His creation. As previously stated, “And know that Allah is Free of need and Praiseworthy.”
Etiquette of Giving to Those in Need
When giving to those in need, there are etiquettes that Muslims should observe:
- Charity should be given discreetly, without publicizing or showcasing it.
This preserves the dignity of the recipient and prevents any embarrassment. The importance of discreet charity is highlighted by Allah -the Exalted-: “If you disclose your charitable expenditures, it is well, but if you conceal them and give them to the poor, it is better for you, and will atone for some of your misdeeds. And Allah is All-Aware of what you do.” While there are instances where showing charity can inspire others to give, the primary intention should be sincerity toward Allah.
- Do not seek a return or recognition for your charitable actions.
The act of giving should be solely for Allah -the Exalted- without an expectation of material or immaterial reciprocation. Allah -the Exalted- states: “And they give food in spite of hunger to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, [saying], ‘We feed you only for the sake of Allah. We do not want from you reward or gratitude.’
- Avoid reminding or making the recipient feel indebted for your charity.
Allah -the Exalted- reminds us: “Those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah and do not follow their expenditures with reminders of their generosity or injury will have their reward with their Lord, and there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.” Indeed, reminding others of the gesture or burdening them with it negates the reward of the act.
- Use kind words when giving charity.
In instances where one cannot provide financial aid, kind words can suffice. Allah -the Exalted- advises: “And if you turn away from them in pursuit of mercy from your Lord which you expect, then say to them a gentle word.”
- Refrain from embarrassing those in need by photographing or interviewing them.
Charity is meant to alleviate burdens, not create them. Allah -the Exalted- states, “A kind word and forgiveness are better than charity followed by injury. And Allah is Free of need and Forbearing. O you who have believed, do not invalidate your charities with reminders or injury.”
- Offer useful items or money that will benefit the needy, avoiding items of no value.
Guidelines and Recommendations for Donors
Muslims should consider several aspects when engaging in acts of charity, which include:
- Establish a regular, ongoing pattern of giving. The Prophet -peace be upon him- emphasized: “The most beloved deed to Allah is the one that is consistent, even if it’s small.”
- Start with those who are closest before extending help to others.
- Aim to personally deliver the charity whenever possible.