Spending Wealth in the Way of Allah

Written by:  Deeba Chaudhry

Source:  Calgary Ahmadiyya Muslim Examiner

 

Rich and poor people exist in every society. Our of the rich, there are some who seek to provide for those who are in need and in the way of Allah. However, there are also those from amongst the rich who, out of greed and self-indulgence, abstain from spending their wealth in the way of Allah and for the poor, and are ambivalent regarding the needs and sufferings of others. Their wealth was granted to them by Allah, but they hoard it and do not wish to spend an ounce on others. This attitude results in widening the gap between the rich and poor and feeds the latter’s discontent. When such neglect is shown towards one’s poorer relatives, then jealousy results. Those who have been blessed by Allah with affluence should be ever mindful of the needs of others, and feelings of anger or resentment should never prevent one from extending one’s help to the poor. A Muslim should not give sole precedence to his or her needs but should always take into account the rights and needs of others such as parents, siblings, and the poor. For instance, when Hadhrat Aisha (ra) was wrongly accused of impropriety, many of those whom were suspicious of her were from amongst those who were receiving the financial assistance of her father, Hadhrat Abu Bakr (ra). When Allah declared Hdhrat Aisha (ra) innocent, Hadhrat Abu Bakr (ra) declared that he would no longer provide financial assistance to those who wrongly accused his daughter. In response to this attitude, Allah revealed that: “And let not those who possess wealth and plenty among you swear not to give aught to the kindred and to the needy and to those who have left their homes in the cause of Allah. Let them forgive and forbear. Do you not desire that Allah should forgive you? And Allah is Most Forgiving, Merciful.” (24:23) Even though Hadhrat Abu Bakr (ra) suffered greatly during the Affair of the Ifk, nevertheless, Allah commanded that he not withdraw his generosity and advised him to be forgiving in the way that he expect Allah to be towards him. Allah is Most Forgiving, and for one to be able to avail oneself of Allah’s forgiveness, one must also be forgiving. Charity and financial assistance promote peace and harmony in society. At the time of the Hijra (migration to Medina), the Ansars (Muslims of Medina) showed great affections for the Muhajirs (Muslim migrants from Mecca). The example of tremendous generosity and love served as the foundation for the new Islamic society which revolutionized the Arab world and beyond. Similarly. The followers of the Promised Messiah (as) exhibit the same bonds of generosity and love so that a new society of peace and harmony can be established at their hands. Those Muslims who reside in the West and who are affluent should be ever mindful of the needs of their relatives. Also, they should be generous and regularly send gifts to the poor locally and abroad. Such generosity should be so sincere and discreet that the “left hand should not know of the charity given by the right hand” and that the honour and dignity of the recipient should be safeguard and preserved. The recipients will appreciate such charity and will pray that Allah continue to bless the affluent. When the rich provide for the poor and the poor pray for the continued prosperity of the rich, peace and harmony in society is inevitable. 

Inflation in Pakistan has reached such staggering levels that the average white-collar labourer is experiencing great difficulties in merely maintaining a basic standard of living. Being mindful of this, Muslims should extend their help and generosity. For example, a Muslim woman who regularly received financial support from a relative living abroad. When suddenly this financial support ceased, the woman and her children had to struggle and even came to the brink of starvation. One day, the woman saw a rupee note lying on the ground and felt the urge to pick it up. However, for some reason, she resisted and left the rupee note on the ground and returned home. She was taught to be patient and steadfast when faced with adversity and so, while returning home, she repeatedly invoke the remembrance of Allah. Upon returning home, an envelope filled with cash was awaiting her arrival from the very relative who had ceased giving financial support. Had this woman not received financial assistance from her relative, her children might have developed feelings of ill-will and resentment towards their more affluent relatives, society-at-large, and perhaps even Allah. Thankfully, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at possess few who ogle the wealth of others. Indeed, often it is those who are the poorest and possessing of the least resources in the Jama’at that make the great financial sacrifices relative to their means.