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Every act of charity, no matter how small, has the potential to multiply in unimaginable ways in Allah's sight.

But what truly elevates our giving?

It’s not just the amount but the spirit and sincerity behind it.

The Secret of Wealth and Accountability

Wealth is naturally beloved to the human heart; it provides comfort, security, and influence.

Yet, as believers, we are called to love Allah above all else.

The levels of giving reflect the depth of this love:

• The Strong: These are those who give everything they have for the sake of Allah, holding nothing back. Abu Bakr (RA) epitomized this when he donated all his wealth, and the Prophet ﷺ asked what he had left for his family. He replied, “Allah and His Messenger.” This level of giving showcases a heart fully anchored in the love of Allah, a state that, while nearly impossible to achieve, remains a powerful example for us.

• The Moderates: These individuals, while not giving everything, keep their wealth not for luxury but to meet essential needs, always ready to help others. Their restraint is driven by necessity and the anticipation of opportunities to give. They go beyond the obligatory zakat, ever eager to serve and support others. Remember, spending on your family’s needs is also considered charity in Islam.

• The Weak: Those who limit their charity to the required zakat. While fulfilling this obligation is commendable, we are encouraged to strive beyond this basic level, pushing ourselves to grow in generosity.

But what if we don’t have wealth to give?

The beauty of Islam lies in its broad definition of charity. The Prophet ﷺ said, “Every good word is charity.”

Acts of kindness, helping others, visiting the sick, or even offering a smile are all forms of charity that Allah loves.

Five Principles of Sincere Giving

To truly purify our giving, Imam Ghazali highlights five essential principles:

• Secrecy: Charity given in secret shields us from the ego’s desire for recognition. The Prophet ﷺ promised that those who give in secret will be among those shaded by Allah on the Day when there is no other shade.

• Avoiding Arrogance: We must guard against the subtle arrogance that can infiltrate our hearts when giving. If we expect gratitude or feel superior to the recipient, our charity loses its spiritual value. It’s important to remember that the poor are doing us a favor by accepting our charity, as it purifies us from the attachment to wealth.

  This arrogance can be more subtle than we realize. Suppose we expect gratitude or special treatment in return for our charity or even feel hurt when the recipient supports someone else over us. In that case, it reveals a deeper issue: we saw our charity as a favor that placed them in our debt.

• Giving from the Best: True love for Allah is demonstrated when we give not from what is leftover or easy but from what is most dear to us. The Qur’an reminds us, “You will never attain righteousness until you spend from that which you love.” (Qur’an 3:92). Just as we wouldn't gift something old and forgotten to someone we deeply care about, we shouldn't offer our Lord anything less than our best. While donating these items still brings reward from Allah and benefits the recipient, the impact on our spiritual growth is diminished.

• Giving with Joy: Our attitude in giving is as important as the act itself. A single dirham given with joy, cheerfulness, and sincerity surpasses a large sum given begrudgingly. The Prophet ﷺ said, “A single dirham exceeds one hundred thousand dirhams,” emphasizing that the quality of our giving is what truly matters.

• Choosing the Right Place: We must ensure our charity is directed where it will have the most impact—whether supporting orphans, providing food and water, or creating sustainable resources. When given with intention and care, our charity’s impact multiplies.

These principles reflect the states and virtues of the most honorable among us.

But don’t let the pursuit of perfection discourage us from progress.

Every step forward, no matter how small, brings us closer to embodying these qualities.

May Allah purify our intentions, bless our efforts, and multiply our rewards in this life and the hereafter.