The Prophet (ﷺ) said: A man giving a dirham as sadaqah (charity) during his life is better than giving one hundred dirhams as sadaqah (charity) at the moment of his death.
Hadith Commentary: The Superiority of Giving Charity in Life
This profound narration from Sunan Abi Dawud 2866 in the Book of Wills (Kitab Al-Wasaya) illuminates the immense spiritual merit of giving charity during one's lifetime compared to posthumous giving.
Scholarly Explanation
The classical scholars explain that charity given during health and life carries greater reward because it involves personal effort, immediate obedience to Allah, and sincere intention while facing the temptations of worldly attachments.
Imam Al-Nawawi comments that this hadith demonstrates how a small amount given willingly during life surpasses a larger amount given at death, when one has no choice but to leave worldly possessions.
Spiritual Wisdom
The 100:1 ratio signifies the exponential reward for charity given during active life. This is because living charity reflects true taqwa (God-consciousness), while deathbed giving may stem from necessity rather than pure devotion.
Ibn Hajar Al-Asqalani notes that charity during life purifies wealth and soul simultaneously, whereas posthumous charity only distributes what one can no longer use.
Practical Application
Scholars advise Muslims not to delay charity until death but to give regularly throughout life. This hadith encourages proactive generosity rather than reactive giving when death approaches.
The wisdom teaches us to utilize our health and wealth in Allah's cause actively, making our entire life an act of worship rather than concentrating religious acts at life's end.