Spending is a medication for the diseases of avarice and cowardice.
It also makes one have trust in Allah, and be free from the false promises of the devil. Society can never stop the dichotomy in them except by spending and being merciful to one another.
 

Societies that do not believe in these ideals will become a fertile ground for divergent views full of evil thoughts that visit more diseases than cures upon these societies.

 

Islam indeed sternly strikes in the hearts of its devotees. The order was sent down to remove all the traces of avarice from them, such that when they get used to this good, will induce them to attain the right path by spending much of the good which a Muslim might posses. Allah (swt) said:” By no means shall you attain piety, unless you spend (in Allah’s cause) of that which you love; and whatever of good you spend, Allah knows it well.” (Ali Imran: 92)

 

In another verse Allah said:” O you who believe! Spend of the good things which you have (legally) earned, and of that which we produced from the earth for you, and do not ain at that which is bad to spend from it, (though) you would not accept it save if you close your eyes and tolerate therein. And know that Allah is rich (free from all wants), and worthy of all praise. The devil threatens you with poverty and orders you to commit evil deeds; whereas Allah promises you forgiveness from himself and bounty, and Allah is All-Sufficient for his creatures needs, All-Knower.” (Al-Baqarah: 267-268)

 

The purpose of the verses is that man is between two hard conditions: greed and insatiability of the soul. The devil, with his false promises, pushes human beings towards avarice and greed, out of fear of poverty and neediness that he creates in them.

 

On the other hand, the will to spend is strong in some people to the extent that they would remove (the last) morsel in their mouths for those who might be in need of it, hoping for rewards from Allah the Majestic. Allah (swt) said:” And they give food, in spite of their love for it (or for the love of him), to the poor, the orphan, and the captive saying:’ we feed you seeking Allah’s countenance only. We wish for no reward, nor thanks from you.’”(Al-Insan: 8-9)

 

Spend from what you have been given then, do not fear reduction from the Possessor of the Mighty Throne. His treasure is filled, it can never be spent. There is no day except that two angels descend while of them will say:” O Allah provide replacement in manifolds for whoever spends.” The other angel will say:” O Allah give whoever is refraining from spending a destruction.”

 

Spending from your wealth will not reduce your wealth. Charity does not reduce wealth rather it increases the number of people who will love and raise your status and save you from diseases of the heart and body.

 

Cure your sick ones through charity. And do not forget what the Prophet (saw) did when he said to a man:” Look at that valley.” The man looked at it and it was filled with cattle. The Messenger of Allah (saw) then said to him:” They are all for you.” The man could not believe his ears while he shepherded these gifts home. When he git to his people, he announce:” I have come to you from the best of the people; a person who will never fear that he should become bankrupt when spending.”

 

Therefore, emulate the Messenger of Allah (saw) and you will be among the successful ones.

 

gone astray!” But they (disbelievers) had not been sent as watchers over them (the believers). But this Day those who believe will laugh at the disbelievers on high thrones, looking at all things. Are not the disbelievers paid fully for what they used to do?” (Qur’an 83: 22-36)

 

(Prepared by Abdul Muhaemin Karim)