Hadith Text and Reference

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Every day two angels come down from Heaven and one of them says, 'O Allah! Compensate every person who spends in Your Cause,' and the other (angel) says, 'O Allah! Destroy every miser.'"

Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 1442 | Book: Obligatory Charity Tax (Zakat)

Commentary on the Divine Invocations

The first angel's supplication encompasses all forms of spending for Allah's pleasure - including Zakat, voluntary charity, and supporting Islamic causes. The term "compensate" (akhlif) implies both worldly replacement and eternal reward, as Allah promises in Quran 34:39: "Whatever you spend, He will replace it."

The second angel's invocation against misers demonstrates the severity of withholding what Allah has commanded to be given. "Destroy" (ahlik) signifies both material ruin and spiritual destruction, as miserliness hardens the heart and severs one from divine mercy.

Scholarly Insights on Charity and Miserliness

Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani comments in Fath al-Bari that this hadith establishes the constant divine attention given to human economic conduct. The daily descent of angels emphasizes the perpetual relevance of charity in Muslim life.

Al-Qurtubi explains that "spending in Your Cause" includes obligatory Zakat and supererogatory charity (sadaqah), while "miser" refers to one who withholds either obligatory dues or prevents himself from voluntary goodness despite having means.

Practical Implications for Believers

This narration encourages immediate response to charitable opportunities, knowing heavenly beings are actively recording and supplicating for givers.

The contrast between the two supplications serves as a powerful motivator: believers should aspire to be among those for whom angels pray for increase, rather than those targeted for destruction.

Scholars note that the hadith particularly emphasizes Zakat due to its obligatory nature, but extends to all forms of beneficial spending that seek Allah's pleasure.