What should I spend my money on??? A new house, a new car, to travel, new furniture, jewelry, the latest fashion, eating out at nice restaurants, a new mobile phone, a new flat-screen T.V., education, books, amusement parks, toys, make-up, new shoes, new briefcase, new purse, new wallet, new glasses, home accessories…???????
We, human beings were created for a specific purpose and given a set of complete instructions to fulfill our purpose. Those specific and complete instructions are found in the last revelation sent down to mankind: the Qur’an and in the words and actions of the last prophet, Muhammad (May Allah’s prayers and peace be upon him), called the hadith or sunnah. We are free to choose to accept and follow the instructions (guidance) given to us or reject it. When I choose to follow these instructions I choose to live a life of inner peace, happiness, contentment and satisfaction here and for eternity,

What instructions did our Creator tell us about how to spend our money?

He (Most High) describes those who spend out of what He (Most High) has provided them as those who are guided and successful in the second paragraph of the Qur’an in Qur'an 2: 2-5

“This is the Book about which there is no doubt, guidance for those conscious of Allah, Who believe in the unseen, establish prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them, and who believe in what has been revealed to you, [O Muhammad], and what was revealed before you, and of the Hereafter they are certain [in faith]. Those are upon [right] guidance from their Lord, and it is those who are the successful.”

But what specifically are we to spend our money on? In Surah al-Baqarah 2:215 our question is answered.
“They ask you [O Muhammad] what they should spend. Say, “Whatever you spend of good is [to be] for parents and relatives and orphans and the needy and the traveler. And whatever you do of good- indeed, Allah knows of it.”

How much money should we spend on those closest to us and the others listed above?

“And they ask you what [amount] they should spend, say, “The excess.” (after all one’s needs and obligations are met.)

So we are instructed to take care of our needs and with our extra money we spend that in the way of Allah.

When we spend on our parents, our relatives, the orphans, the needy or the traveler are we to announce publicly where we have spent our money?

Allah Most High tells us in Qur'an 2: 271 ,
“If you disclose your charitable expenditures, they are good, but if you conceal them and give them to the poor, it is better for you and He will remove from you some of your misdeeds [thereby]. And Allah, with what you do is [fully] aware.” And also in Qur'an 2: 262 it says:
“Those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah and then do not follow up what they have spent with reminders [of it] or [other] injury will have their reward with their Lord and there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.”

The Prophet (pbuh) said, “Seven people will be shaded by Allah under His shade on the day when there will be no shade except His.” (One of those people are) “…a person who practices charity so secretly that his left hand does not know what his right hand has given.” (Al-Bukhari)

When we spend on those closest to us and those further from us what is the result?
Allah Most High tells us in Qur'an 2: 261
“The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And Allah is All-Encompassing and Knowing.”

We are told in the previous ayah that when we spend in the way of Allah we will be rewarded 700 times for this act of following the guidance and instructions given to us from our Creator.

He, Most High also says in Qur'an 2: 265:
“And the example of those who spend their wealth seeking means to the approval of Allah and assuring [a reward for] themselves is like a garden on high ground which is hit by a downpour – so it yields its fruits in double. And [even] if it is not hit by a downpour, then a drizzle [is sufficient]. And Allah, of what you do, is Seeing.”

When we spend in the way of Allah we will be doubly blessed!

Asma’ (May Allah be pleased with her) narrated that the Prophet (May the prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) said, “Do not withhold your money, (for if you did so Allah would withhold His blessings from you.” (Al-Bukhari)

Spending in the way of Allah is a way of being blessed by Allah.

“Who is it that would loan Allah a goodly loan so He may multiply it for him many times over? And it is Allah who withholds and grants abundance, and to Him you will be returned.” (Qur'an 2: 245)

“ …but whatever thing you spend [in His cause] He will compensate it and He is the best of providers.” (Qur'an 34: 39)

The Prophet (May the prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) said, “The upper hand is better than the lower hand. The upper hand is that of the giver and the lower (hand) is that of the beggar.” (Al-Bukhari)

Most banks will tell us that they can make our money grow by applying interest (riba).

What did our Creator instruct us concerning interest?

“Those who consume interest cannot stand [on the Day of Resurrection] except as one who stands being beaten by Satan into insanity. That is because they say, “Trade is [just] like interest.” But Allah has permitted trade and has forbidden interest. So whoever has received an admonition from his Lord and desists may have what is past, and his affair rests with Allah. But whoever returns [to dealing in interest or usury]- those are the companions of the Fire; they will abide eternally therein. Allah destroys interest and gives increase for charity. And Allah does not like every sinning disbeliever.” (Qur'an 2: 275-276)

We are told that interest destroys and when we spend in the way of Allah, our wealth will increase.

How can I get nearer to Allah and gain righteousness?

“ …Unquestionably, it [spending in the way of Allah] is a means of nearness for them…” (Qur'an 9: 99)

‘Never will you attain righteousness until you spend [in the way of Allah] from that which you love. And whatever you spend- indeed, Allah is Knowing of it.” (Qur'an 3:92)


What if I refuse to spend my extra money in the way of Allah and hoard (keep) it?

“ …And those who hoard gold and silver and spend it not in the way of Allah – give them tidings of a painful punishment.” (Qur'an 9: 34)

What if I have no extra money to spend in the way of Allah? What can I do?

The Prophet (May the prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) said, “Every Muslim has to give in charity.” The people asked, “O Allah’s Prophet! If someone has nothing to give what will he do? He said, “He should work with his hands and benefit himself and also give in charity (from what he earns).” The people further asked, “If he cannot find even that? He replied, “He should help the needy who appeal for help.” Then the people asked, “If he cannot find even that?” Then he should perform good deeds and this will be regarded as charitable deeds.” (Al-Bukhari)

Recently there was an article in the newspaper on the happiness one feels after one gives whether through money or a good deed. Who knows us better than our Creator and Sustainer? My father was a professional giver and he mentioned how satisfying and happy it made him feel.

What about our intention?

If I am giving because it makes me feel good I won’t get a reward.
If I am giving because I don’t want to look cheap or miserly in front of others, I won’t get a reward.
If I am giving because I want people to think I am a generous person, I won’t get a reward.
We must always examine our intention to keep it pure.

“ ..And whatever good you [believers] spend is for yourselves, and you do not spend except seeking the countenance of Allah. And whatever you spend of good- it will be fully repaid to you, and you will not be wronged.” (Qur'an 2: 272)

“O you who have believed, spend from that which We have provided for you before there comes a Day in which there is no exchange [i.e. ransom] and no friendship and no intercession. And the disbelievers- they are the wrongdoers.” (Qur'an 2: 254)

We must live today remembering that today could be our last day of life on this earth. Do I have extra money that I can spend in the way of Allah? Do I have extra belongings that I don’t need? Surely, with Allah, as He told us in the Qur’an, we will always gain when we give.