The Censure of Stingy Behavior

Allah chastises the stingy behavior of those who refuse to spend their money for what Allah ordered them, such as being kind to parents and compassionate to relatives, orphans, the poor, the relative who is also a neighbor, the companion during travel, the needy wayfarer, the slaves and servants. Such people do not give Allah’s right from their wealth, and they assist in the spread of stingy behavior. The Messenger of Allah said,

«What disease is more serious than being stingy?» He also said,

«Beware of being stingy, for it destroyed those who were before you, as it encouraged them to cut their relations and they did, and it encouraged them to commit sin and they did.»

Allah said,

Therefore, the miser is ungrateful for Allah’s favor, for its effect does not appear on him, whether in his food, clothes or what he gives. Similarly, Allah said,

by his manners and conduct,

{And verily, he is violent in the love of wealth.} Allah said,

and this is why He threatened them,

Allah then said,

meaning, they refrain from spending in ways pleasing to Allah. When they do spend, it is to be seen of men, so as to acquire a reputation that they are generous, not seeking the Face of Allah. A Hadith states that the first three persons on whom the Fire will be fed are a scholar, a fighter, and a spender who shows off with their actions. For instance,

«The wealthy will say, "I did not leave any area that You like to be spent on, but I spent on it in Your cause." Allah will say, "You lie, you only did that so that it is said, 'He is generous.' And it was said..."»

meaning you acquired your reward in the life, and this is indeed what you sought with your action. This is why Allah said,

meaning, it is Shaytan who lured them to commit this evil action, instead of performing the good deed as it should be performed. Shaytan encouraged, excited and lured them by making the evil appear good,

Allah then said,

This Ayah means, what harm would it cause them if they believe in Allah, go on the righteous path, replace showing off with sincerity, have faith in Allah, and await His promise in the Hereafter, for those who do good and spend what He has given them on what He likes and is pleased with.

Allah’s statement:

means, He has perfect knowledge of their intentions, whether good or evil. Indeed, Allah knows those who deserve success, and He grants them success and guidance, directing them to perform righteous actions that will earn them His pleasure. He also knows those who deserve failure and expulsion from His great mercy, which amounts to utter failure in this life and the Hereafter for them, we seek refuge in Allah from this evil end.