that she had gone to the Prophet (ﷺ) and he said, "Do not shut your money bag; otherwise Allah too will withhold His blessings from you. Spend (in Allah's Cause) as much as you can afford. "
Obligatory Charity Tax (Zakat)
Sahih al-Bukhari 1434
Hadith Text
"Do not shut your money bag; otherwise Allah too will withhold His blessings from you. Spend (in Allah's Cause) as much as you can afford."
Commentary on the Prohibition of Hoarding
The Prophet's instruction "Do not shut your money bag" serves as a powerful metaphor against miserliness and hoarding wealth. Scholars explain that closing one's purse represents withholding obligatory charity (zakat) and voluntary spending for Allah's sake. This action invites divine retribution in kind - as one withholds blessings from others, Allah withholds His blessings from them.
The Principle of Proportional Giving
"Spend as much as you can afford" establishes the Islamic principle of giving according to one's capacity. Classical commentators emphasize that this includes both obligatory zakat and voluntary charity (sadaqah). The instruction balances between extravagance and stinginess, encouraging believers to give generously without causing hardship to themselves or their dependents.
Divine Reciprocity in Provision
Scholars note the profound spiritual law expressed here: human generosity directly correlates with divine generosity. When believers open their hands to others, Allah opens the doors of His mercy and provision. This reciprocal relationship underscores that wealth is a trust from Allah, and its proper circulation through charity ensures its purification and increase.
Practical Implementation
Traditional scholars advise that this hadith encourages regular charity rather than sporadic giving. The "money bag" should remain open through consistent acts of kindness, support for relatives, helping the needy, and contributing to community welfare. This continuous flow of charity maintains the circulation of blessings in one's wealth and life.