Why Stinginess is Prohibited in Islam and the Rewards of Generosity
Stinginess is Prohibited in Islam: A Comprehensive Guide to Generosity and Its Rewards
Introduction
Islam is a religion that places immense emphasis on generosity, compassion, and selflessness. The Qur’an and the Sunnah repeatedly encourage believers to give in charity, support those in need, and avoid the destructive trait of stinginess. Stinginess, or bukhl in Arabic, is considered a spiritual disease that corrupts the heart, hinders communal harmony, and deprives a person of Allāh’s blessings in this world and the Hereafter.
Allāh ﷻ and His Messenger ﷺ have warned against stinginess and highlighted the virtues of generosity. In this post, we will explore the concept of stinginess, its negative consequences, and the immense rewards promised to those who are generous for the sake of Allāh.
Stinginess in the Qur’an
The Qur’an addresses stinginess on multiple occasions, warning against its destructive nature and emphasizing the importance of giving for the sake of Allāh.
1. Protection from Stinginess Leads to Success
Allāh ﷻ says:
“And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul – it is those who will be the successful.”
(Sūrat al-Hashr, 59:9)
This verse highlights that stinginess originates from the nafs (self) and is a sign of spiritual weakness. True success lies in overcoming the selfish desires of the soul and becoming generous in one’s wealth, time, and resources.
- Success in this verse refers not only to worldly success but, more importantly, to eternal success in the Hereafter.
2. Withholding Charity is a Loss for Oneself
Allāh ﷻ also says:
“Here you are – those invited to spend in the cause of Allāh – but among you are those who withhold ˹out of greed˺. And whoever withholds only withholds ˹benefit˺ from himself.”
(Sūrat Muhammad, 47:38)
This verse teaches that when a person withholds charity or resources, they are ultimately harming themselves. The wealth they hoard will not benefit them in the Hereafter and may even be a cause of regret. Conversely, spending in the cause of Allāh brings immense rewards, blessings, and barakah in one’s life.
Stinginess in the Sunnah
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, known for his unparalleled generosity, warned his followers about the dangers of stinginess and encouraged them to be charitable.
1. Blessings are Lost When One Becomes Irritated by Others’ Needs
Abu Huraira (may Allāh be pleased with him) reported:
The Messenger of Allāh ﷺ said, “None among the servants are bestowed a blessing from Allāh, and He makes it abundant upon him, but that He will appoint to him something of the needs of people. If he is irritated with them, he risks the disappearance of that blessing.”
(Shu’ab al-īmān, #7254)
This hadith emphasizes a profound reality: wealth and blessings are a trust from Allāh, and they come with responsibilities. If a person becomes annoyed when others seek their help, they risk losing the very blessings they have been granted.
- Key Lesson: Wealth is a test. Being generous not only preserves and increases one’s blessings but also earns the pleasure of Allāh.
2. Angels Pray for the Generous and Curse the Stingy
Abu Darda (may Allāh be pleased with him) reported:
The Messenger of Allāh ﷺ said, “The sun never rises but that two angels are sent at its sides, calling out. All the earth’s inhabitants hear them, except humans and jinn: O people, come quickly to your Lord! What is little and sufficient is better than what is abundant and negligent! The sun never sets but two angels are sent at its sides, calling out. All the earth’s inhabitants hear them, except humans and jinn: O Allāh, repay the one who spends in charity! O Allāh, destroy the one who withholds charity!”
(Musnad Aḥmad, #21721)
This hadith shows the cosmic significance of generosity. Every day, angels invoke Allāh’s blessings for those who give in charity and curse those who withhold it.
- Key Lesson: Even a small but sincere act of charity is better than hoarding large amounts of wealth that may distract from the remembrance of Allāh.
Scholarly Insights on Stinginess
1. Imām al-Ghazālī (may Allāh have mercy on him)
Imām al-Ghazālī, one of the greatest Islamic scholars and thinkers, defined stinginess as follows:
“The stingy person is the one who withholds when he should not withhold, either according to Islamic teaching or according to common decency. This is not something that can be quantified.”
(Iḥyā’ ‘Ulūm ad-Dīn, 3/260)
- Key Insight: Stinginess is not limited to financial matters. It includes withholding kindness, knowledge, time, and assistance when it is needed.
2. Ibn al-Jawzī (may Allāh have mercy on him)
Ibn al-Jawzī, a renowned scholar and preacher, offered a powerful reflection on the futility of hoarding wealth:
“Woe to you! What benefit do you find in saving wealth that adds no good deeds to your balance nor will it be a landmark in history? Have you not heard of the amounts that Abu Bakr gave away in charity as opposed to the miserliness of Tha‘labah? Have you not noticed the effect of praising Ḥātim as opposed to the niggardliness of Al-Ḥabāhib?”
(Captured Thoughts, p. 873)
Ibn al-Jawzī contrasts the generosity of the great companions like Abu Bakr (may Allāh be pleased with him) with those who were miserly, showing how history remembers and honors the generous while the stingy are forgotten or condemned.
Historical Examples of Generosity
1. Abu Bakr’s Generosity
Abu Bakr aṣ-Ṣiddīq (may Allāh be pleased with him), the first Caliph of Islam, is a shining example of selfless generosity. On multiple occasions, he gave away his entire wealth in the path of Allāh.
- During the Battle of Tabūk, he brought all his possessions to the Prophet ﷺ. When asked, “What have you left for your family?” he replied, “I have left for them Allāh and His Messenger.”
2. Ḥātim al-Ṭā’ī
Ḥātim al-Ṭā’ī, a pre-Islamic Arab known for his extreme generosity, is often remembered and praised for his kindness and selflessness. His generosity earned him an enduring legacy, in stark contrast to those who hoarded their wealth.
The Consequences of Stinginess
1. Loss of Blessings
As mentioned in the hadith, irritation with others’ needs can lead to the disappearance of blessings.
2. Divine Displeasure
Allāh’s displeasure and the curses of the angels are directed toward those who withhold wealth and charity.
3. Spiritual Hardness
Stinginess hardens the heart and distances a person from empathy, compassion, and spiritual growth.
The Rewards of Generosity
- Increased Wealth:
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Charity does not decrease wealth.”
(Sahīh Muslim, #2588)
- Protection from Calamities:
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Give charity without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity.”
(Tirmidhī, #598)
- Immense Reward in the Hereafter:
Allāh ﷻ promises multiple rewards for those who give in charity:
“The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allāh is like a seed [of grain] that grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allāh multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills.”
(Sūrat al-Baqarah, 2:261)
Conclusion
Stinginess is a destructive trait that harms both the individual and society. Islam encourages believers to be generous, kind, and compassionate, recognizing that wealth is a trust from Allāh. By giving in charity, we purify our wealth, earn Allāh’s pleasure, and ensure our success in this life and the Hereafter.
May Allāh protect us from stinginess and grant us the ability to be generous in all aspects of our lives. آمين.