The last blog was discussing the characteristic of the true servants of the Most Merciful which is mentioned in chapter 25 Al Furqan, verse 67:
“And [they are] those who, when they spend, do so not excessively or sparingly but are ever, between that, [justly] moderate.”
Instead of greedily chasing excess wealth the servants of the Most Merciful take what they need in order to fulfil their responsibilities and donate the rest for the pleasure of Allah, the Exalted. This is the way one can pass the test and trial of wealth.
In fact, they have understood that a true servant of Allah, the Exalted, always donates more than the obligatory charity as this has been indicated in the Holy Quran and the Hadiths of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. For example Chapter 5 Al Ma’idah, verse 12:
“…And Allah said, “I am with you. If you establish prayer and give zakah and believe in My messengers and support them and loan Allah a goodly loan…”
One Hadith found in Sahih Muslim, number 1671, advises that charity is due every day on behalf of every joint in the body of every muslim. This is obviously not referring to the obligatory charity which is offered annually.
It is important to note, charity is not only restricted to wealth. Charity can be offered in different ways for example, commanding good and forbidding evil is an act of charity. This is confirmed in a Hadith found in Sahih Muslim, number 1671.
The verse, quoted in the beginning, which mentions the spending habits of the true servants of the Most Merciful can include having a balance approach to all forms of charity, such as dedicating one’s time to helping others. The one who does not find a balance will either dedicate too much time to helping others which causes them to neglect their own duties and responsibilities. Those who do not spend enough time helping others will become self-centred and only worry about themself which is not the attitude of a true muslim.
The true servants of the Most Merciful always have the correct intention when spending. They do not nullify their charity by reminding others of their favours. Chapter 2 Al Baqarah, verse 264:
“O you who have believed, do not invalidate your charities with reminders [of it] or injury…”
As they spend sincerely for Allah, the Exalted, they do not seek anything else from anyone else. Because of their pious intention Allah, the Exalted, rewards them even when they spend on things which appear worldly for example, on one’s family. This has been advised in a Hadith found in Sahih Bukhari, number 4006.
They know that their righteous spending is a favour from Allah, the Exalted, as they would never be able to obtain this balance without the mercy of Allah, the Exalted, therefore they remain grateful at all times. In fact, they are fearful that their righteous spending will not be accepted by Allah, the Exalted, due to some hidden fault such as insincerity. Chapter 23 Al Mu’minun, verse 60:
“And they who give what they give while their hearts are fearful because they will be returning to their Lord.”
The Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, has confirmed in a Hadith found in Jami At Tirmidhi, number 3175, that this verse refers to the true servants of the Most Merciful.
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