Skip to main content

Stinginess

The Foundation of Stinginess and the Reality of Wealth​

Stinginess is rooted in a love of wealth, which is problematic. Someone without wealth may still display stinginess through an intense desire for it. A person may even give generously to be recognized, which is also blameworthy, as attachment to wealth can distract from the remembrance of Allah, leading to a preoccupation with worldly matters and making the eventual meeting with Allah more challenging.

Wealth itself is not inherently negative. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "How excellent is the useful wealth of a righteous person." Wealth can be a tool on our journey to Allah, as food and clothing are essential for survival. However, accumulating wealth beyond what is necessary has three main pitfalls:

  • It can lead to disobedience, tempting a person to act improperly.
  • It encourages indulgence, making it difficult to live without luxuries, often leading to hypocrisy, envy, and hostility.
  • It distracts from Allah's remembrance, crowding the heart with worldly concerns.

The Sufficient Amount​

  • True necessity only calls for basic food and clothing.
  • Consider wealth merely as a means to fulfill needs, just as food is consumed to nourish the body. Any surplus should ideally support those in need, like the poor and widows.
  • Seeking more than necessary for indulgence, charity, or fear of future calamity often pulls one away from Allah. Excessive charity can sometimes even be avoided; as Isa (Jesus) said, "O seeker of the world for virtue's sake! For you to leave it is twice as virtuous."
  • Hoarding wealth cannot avoid calamities. Trusting in Allah's plan is better than fearing loss, as provision can arise unexpectedly, just as loss can come unanticipated.

Wealth is Like Medicine: Wealth should be handled carefully, like medicine. The right amount benefits, an overdose harms, and nearing an overdose can still make one ill. Take only what is necessary, save when needed, and avoid the danger of luxury.

The Definition of Stinginess​

A stingy person finds spending hard, indicating a love of wealth beyond its true purpose. Wealth should serve clear benefits, such as preserving public respectability over personal indulgence. True stinginess arises from an inability to prioritize spending on what is most beneficial. To avoid this, spending should be directed toward necessary, rational, and legally appropriate purposes. Generosity begins when spending feels natural and unburdened by reluctance.

The Treatment of Stinginess​

Overcoming stinginess requires both understanding and practical action.

Understanding Stinginess​

Stinginess leads to ruin in the afterlife and earns criticism in this life. Wealth is a temporary gift from Allah, meant to be used wisely. Using it for meaningful purposes brings lasting rewards and ensures a good reputation, which is far more valuable than hoarding wealth for personal desires.

Practicing Generosity​

To overcome stinginess, train yourself to spend until it becomes a natural habit. Begin by spending with the intention of earning reward and a good reputation, and gradually cultivate genuine generosity. Here are some meaningful ways to use wealth:

  • Worship and Its Necessities: Spend on acts of worship (e.g., Hajj) or necessities that support worship.
  • Charity: Direct wealth to charitable acts and selflessness.
  • Hospitality: Host guests, give gifts, and assist others.
  • Defending Honour: Spend to protect your reputation or avert slander; this is considered a form of charity as it prevents backbiting and promotes social harmony.
  • Services: Pay for services that benefit yourself and others, such as hiring employees for essential tasks.
  • Public Projects: Contribute to community projects like building masjids, bridges, or endowments that provide long-term benefits.