How do we differentiate between generosity, altruism, and extravagance?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
Generosity is the opposite of baseness and encompasses all praiseworthy aspects of goodness, honor, benevolence, and spending. Altruism, on the other hand, is preferring others over oneself despite one's own need, and it stems from strong conviction, love, and patience. Extravagance, however, is exceeding the limits in using things, and it is blameworthy, as Allah Almighty says: "And do not be extravagant. Indeed, He does not like those who are extravagant." It becomes clear that altruism and generosity are virtues, while extravagance is a vice.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/88958
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 88958
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- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Read the full answer on Ftawy