Is it better to donate a large sum while in need, or a smaller sum while saving for one's children? And is the reward affected by the amount? What is the interpretation of: "It is better for you to leave your inheritors wealthy than to leave them poor, begging from people"?
The reward for charity increases with the size of the donated amount. If a Muslim pays the obligatory , there is no harm in saving and accumulating for his family, as spending on one's family carries a great reward. The Prophet, peace be upon him, used to save a year's provisions for his family. The greatest rewards for charity are found in what is spent on one's family. It is better for a Muslim to leave his heirs wealthy than to leave them poor, begging from people.
A strong Muslim may donate one-third, half, or all of his wealth in charity, provided that no harm results to himself or his family. Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, donated half of his wealth, and Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, donated all of his wealth. For those who are not as strong, it is better to save for their families what will keep them from begging people, for the best charity is that given from a position of wealth, and one should begin with those he is responsible for.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy