Hadith Text

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "When a Muslim spends something on his family intending to receive Allah's reward it is regarded as Sadaqa for him."

Source Reference

Sahih al-Bukhari 5351 - Supporting the Family

Commentary on the Meaning

This noble hadith elevates the status of spending upon one's family from mere worldly obligation to an act of worship. The key condition is the intention (niyyah) - when a Muslim provides for his wife, children, and dependents with the sincere intention of seeking Allah's pleasure, this mundane act transforms into spiritual charity (sadaqa).

Scholarly Insights

Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explains in Fath al-Bari that this hadith demonstrates the comprehensiveness of Islamic worship. Even fulfilling basic responsibilities becomes rewarded when coupled with proper intention.

Scholars emphasize that "spending" includes not only financial provision but also emotional support, education, and proper upbringing of children.

This teaching removes the artificial separation between worldly duties and spiritual rewards, encouraging Muslims to sanctify their daily lives through conscious intention.

Practical Implications

A Muslim should renew his intention each time he provides for his family, remembering that he is performing an act of worship.

This understanding transforms family responsibilities from burdens into opportunities for spiritual growth and divine reward.

The hadith encourages moderation in spending - neither extravagance nor stinginess - as both extremes contradict the spirit of righteous provision.