Supporting the Family - Sahih al-Bukhari 5356

Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "The best alms is that which you give when you are rich, and you should start first to support your dependants."

Commentary on the Hadith

This noble hadith establishes the fundamental principle that charity begins at home. The Prophet (ﷺ) emphasizes two essential aspects of righteous spending: timing and priority.

The phrase "when you are rich" indicates that the most virtuous charity is given from surplus wealth, not from necessity. This reflects the Quranic principle of spending from what you love, demonstrating true sincerity in giving.

"Start first to support your dependants" establishes the hierarchy of financial responsibility. A Muslim must first fulfill obligations to immediate family - parents, children, spouse - before extending charity to others. This prioritization maintains family integrity and prevents the neglect of primary responsibilities while seeking external rewards.

Scholarly Insights

Imam al-Nawawi explains that supporting one's dependants is actually superior to voluntary charity, as it combines both obligatory maintenance and the reward of charity.

Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes that this hadith establishes that maintaining one's family is not merely a social obligation but an act of worship that brings one closer to Allah.

The scholars unanimously agree that neglecting family support while giving charity to others is religiously blameworthy, as it violates the divinely ordained order of financial responsibility.