Every Muslim must understand that charity is a noble deed. This act of worship not only brings us closer to Allah but also strengthens our relationships with fellow human beings. In order for the alms we give to bring blessings, there are rules of almsgiving that need to be considered so that the rewards will be perfect. What are these manners?
The Manners of Almsgiving
The Qur’an has revealed verses that explain the manners of almsgiving in a good and correct way.
1. Giving Good Treasure
‘O you who believe, spend (in the way of Allah) some of what you have earned and some of what We bring forth from the earth for you. And choose not that which is bad, and spend of it, when you do not want to spend of it, except by straining your eyes against it…’ (QS. al-Baqarah: 267)
Based on the above verse, Allah swt commands His people to give away the best wealth, such as gold and silver, merchandise and livestock, as well as crops (grains, fruits, and so on). Therefore, you should never choose bad or ugly items for charity.
In another verse, Allah Swt also emphasises the manners of charity with good property.
‘You will not attain the (perfect) virtue until you spend some of the wealth you love…’ (QS. Al-Imran: 92)
One narration explains the story behind the revelation of this verse, when some Muslims gave charity consisting of bad dates. There is also another narration that explains that there was a man who deliberately chose his dates by separating the good quality dates in one place. Then when someone asked him for zakat, he gave the person the worst dates.
So with this asbabun nuzul, there is a prohibition on specialising in alms/charity goods with bad goods.
Read also: These 7 Virtues of Almsgiving in the Month of Ramadan Based on Hadith
2. Not hurting the recipient’s feelings
‘Those who spend their wealth in the cause of Allah, then they do not accompany what they spend by mentioning their gifts and by not hurting the recipients, they will have a reward with their Lord. They shall have no fear nor shall they grieve.’ (QS. Al-Baqarah: 262)
The above verse explains that among the manners of charity is not to accompany the money that is given out by mentioning or bringing up the gift. Also, not to feel higher than the person who is given charity.
If one follows these ethics of charity, then they will receive perfect rewards that cannot be estimated. They will also be kept away from worries and feelings of sadness in their hearts.
‘And to the one who begs, do not rebuke him.’ (QS. Ad-Duha: 10)
In addition to Al-Baqarah: 262, in the above surah Ad-Duha Allah Swt also emphasises that we should not rebuke those who ask us for mercy.
Instead of rebuking them, give them some of the money we have or refuse in a kind and gentle way. This is because the person asking for mercy is not able to face a problem alone.
The verse also teaches us to show compassion and help others, to love the weak, and to help those in need.
3. No Riya / Arrogance / Pride
‘And (also) those who spend their wealth for the sake of the people, and those who do not believe in Allah and the Last Day. Whoever takes the devil for a companion, the devil is the worst of companions.’ (QS. An-Nisa’: 38)
The above verse explains that the worst of human vices that Allah does not like, apart from miserliness, is riya, especially when giving away their wealth. Their aim in giving alms is to be praised and seen by people as a generous person. So, not being boastful, arrogant, or proud when giving wealth to people in need is part of the manners of charity.
4. Neither Excessive nor Miserly
‘And those who, when they spend, are neither extravagant nor miserly, and their spending is in the middle.’ (QS. Al-Furqan: 67)
‘And give to the near relatives their due, to the poor and the traveller, and do not spend extravagantly.’ (QS. Al-Isra’ verse 26)
Through the two verses above, Allah swt commands His servants to spend their wealth in a measure that is not excessive, nor exceeds the limits of their abilities.
On the other hand, people are also prohibited from being miserly or reducing the alms that will be due to others. However, give alms in a fair manner and according to need.
Allah also commands to give alms to relatives, the poor, and travellers who are returning to their homes.
Furthermore, Allah also forbids His servants to be extravagant or excessive in all matters, whether it is for good or bad deeds, as well as food and alms. Give alms in accordance with what is commanded and not for immoral purposes.
Man is also obliged to spend on himself, his family, relatives, and children. Even if he has no offspring, it is still advisable to set aside some of his wealth for future needs so that he does not become a burden to others in old age.
Read also: Benefits of Waqf for Wakif, Endless Jariyah Almsgiving
5. Not Procrastinating
The last adab of charity is not to procrastinate. In other words, hasten to give alms. This is explained implicitly in the Qur’an:
‘And spend some of what We have given you before death comes to one of you; then he says: ‘O my Lord, why have You not delayed my death until a time nearer, that I may give in charity and be among the righteous?’ (Al-Munafiqun: 10).
The above verse warns us not to neglect to remember Allah and fulfil our obligations towards Him. Such as praying, reciting the Qur’an, dhikr, and paying zakat and alms.
Allah also affirms that those who are preoccupied with the world are among those who have lost with a complete loss. They lose because they have sold something eternal (the good of the hereafter) and exchanged it for something ephemeral.
On the other hand, Allah commands believers to spend some of their wealth in the way of goodness as a form of gratitude for Allah’s blessings, as well as loving the poor and maintaining the benefit of the community before the signs of death come.
Implicitly, this verse warns humans to immediately fulfil charity before death. Because, no one knows when death will come. If we have missed it, then there will be no chance to return.
Friends, these are the five rules of charity that need to be considered to perfect the reward. Do not let our almsgiving backfire, because we are negligent with the adab.
