How to Overcome Stinginess
Charity is among the greatest acts of worship through which a servant draws closer to Allah تعالى and attains عظيمة rewards. Yet, it feels heavy for many people, because it requires striving against the النفس (soul) that is naturally inclined to love wealth, fear poverty, and worry about provision in the present and the future, as well as what a person may face of illness or need.
For this reason, overcoming stinginess requires sincere spiritual تربـية (nurturing). Among the greatest aids in this are: placing trust in Allah, believing in His promise of compensation and blessing, and having certainty that He سبحانه is the Provider, in Whose Hand are the خزائن (treasures) of the heavens and the earth. Allah تعالى says:
“Say, ‘Indeed, my Lord extends provision for whom He wills of His servants and restricts it. And whatever you spend of anything, He will replace it; and He is the best of providers.’” (Saba: 39)
And He سبحانه says:
“Who is it that would loan Allah a goodly loan so He may multiply it for him many times over?” (Al-Baqarah: 245)
Likewise, belief in the Hereafter, and remembering its reward and punishment, makes giving easier upon the soul. It leads the servant to view charity as a profitable تجارت (trade) with Allah, not a worldly loss. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Charity does not decrease wealth. Allah does not increase a servant who pardons except in honor, and no one humbles himself for the sake of Allah except that Allah raises him.”
Charity is not merely spending money; rather, it is purification of the soul from stinginess, a cleansing of wealth, and a source of blessing in what remains. It brings joy to the poor and needy, becomes light for the servant in his grave, and protection from the Fire. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Indeed, charity extinguishes for its people the heat of the graves, and the believer will be shaded on the Day of Resurrection by his charity.”
He ﷺ also said:
“O women, give charity and increase in seeking forgiveness, for I have seen that you form the majority of the people of the Fire.”
Among the greatest aids to giving is also remembering death—that what a person gives during his lifetime is what will remain for him, while what he withholds will be left for others. Allah تعالى says:
“And whatever you spend of expenditures or make of vows—indeed, Allah knows of it.” (Al-Baqarah: 270)
When a servant reflects on these meanings and tries giving—even once—he will see its effect in the blessing of his wealth and the tranquility of his heart. He will not feel loss; rather, his certainty and trust in his Lord will increase. At that point, he realizes that charity is not a loss, but in reality growth and increase, and that what he gives for Allah is what truly remains for him with Him.
Charity is a gate to provision, peace of heart, and salvation in the Hereafter; whoever strives against himself to give, Allah will open for him doors of goodness beyond what he could have imagined.
Written By Manal Abuelazaem
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