How can one balance between giving charity and saving for marriage expenses, and what is the correct action if such a situation recurs in the future?

Charity is among the best deeds, but one should begin by spending on oneself first, then on those one supports. If anything remains, then it can be given as charity, as the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Begin with yourself and give charity to it; if anything remains, then to your family," and his saying: "The best charity is that given when one is wealthy, and begin with those you support."

Combining saving for expenses and marriage provisions with giving some money in charity is preferable. If this is not possible, then personal needs and those one supports take precedence.

As for emulating the actions of the great Companions who gave all or half of their wealth in charity, it is permissible for those who have strong conviction and firm reliance on Allah, but not for everyone.

This reconciles the hadith "The best charity is that given when one is wealthy" with the hadith "The best charity is the effort of the one who has little," as the virtue varies according to individuals, their strength of reliance, and their patience.