Charity/ Sadaqah Doesn’t Decrease Wealth

Charity and Wealth: A Blessing, Not a Loss

All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and Muhammad is His servant and Messenger. May Allah bestow His blessings upon him, his family, and all his companions.

The idea that charity reduces wealth is a misconception. In reality, giving in charity brings blessings that far outweigh any material decrease, enriching both the giver and their wealth in meaningful ways.

The Blessings of Charity

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Charity does not decrease wealth.” This powerful statement highlights that giving generously invites barakah (blessings) to one’s resources, and the return is far greater than any physical amount given.

Imam An-Nawawi explains this hadith as follows:

“Scholars interpret this saying in two ways:

• First, charity brings a blessing that protects one’s wealth from harm, so even if it seems reduced, the benefit it brings compensates in a unique, intangible way.
• Second, if the wealth is indeed decreased physically, then Allah rewards the giver manifold, returning their generosity with multiplied rewards in the Hereafter.”

Striking a Balance in Spending

Giving in charity doesn’t mean one should give away everything they possess. Allah advises moderation in spending:

“And do not make your hand [as] chained to your neck or extend it completely and [thereby] become blamed and insolvent.” [Quran 17:29]

Ibn Kathir, a prominent scholar, explains this verse as a reminder against both greed and extravagance. It teaches Muslims to avoid miserliness as well as reckless spending, encouraging a balance that ensures rights are fulfilled—both towards one’s family and towards those in need.

In short, charity enriches the giver in profound ways, reminding us that wealth finds its true purpose when shared for the sake of Allah. And Allah knows best.