What is the meaning of "Al-Mann and Al-Adha" (reproach and annoyance) in charity, and does obsessive-compulsive disorder (waswasah) fall under that?
Allah Almighty praised sincere givers and condemned those who boast of their generosity and those who give for show. He said: "Those who spend their wealth in the cause of Allah and do not follow up what they have spent with boasting or harm – for them is their reward with their Lord, and no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve. Kind speech and forgiveness are better than charity followed by injury. And Allah is Free of need and Forbearing. O you who have believed, do not invalidate your charities with boasting and injury." Boasting (al-mann) is reminding the recipient of one's favor, and injury (al-adha) can be by word or deed. Wealth belongs to Allah, and the poor person has a favor over the rich by accepting the charity. The Prophet, peace be upon him, forbade boasting about charity and mentioned that there are three whom Allah will not address on the Day of Resurrection, among them "the one who boasts of what he has given." As for merely the giver's feeling of benevolence or superiority in his soul, without speaking or acting upon it, there is nothing wrong with it, as the Prophet, peace be upon him, said: "Indeed, Allah has overlooked for my Ummah what they whisper to themselves, as long as they do not act upon it or speak of it."
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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