How can one reconcile the desire to give much charity with the need to save money for an essential project, such as buying land to build a house for one's children, and is saving money for this purpose considered forbidden hoarding (al-kanz al-muharram)? What is the best way to give charity in this situation?

Charity (sadaqah) is commendable and carries a great reward. It does not conflict with saving money. The blameworthy hoarding (kanz) is the accumulation of wealth without paying the obligatory zakat, in accordance with the Almighty’s saying: "And those who hoard gold and silver and spend it not in the way of Allah – give them tidings of a painful punishment." As for one who pays the zakat on their wealth, they are not included in this warning.

It is permissible to save and accumulate money as long as its zakat is paid. Charity is commendable, and there is no specific limit for it. It is better to conceal it to be closer to sincerity, due to the Almighty’s saying: "If you disclose your charities, it is well; but if you conceal them and give them to the poor, it is better for you," and due to the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "And a man who gives charity and conceals it so much so that his left hand does not know what his right hand has spent."