Hadith Commentary: The Virtues of Charity

This noble hadith from Jami' at-Tirmidhi (Book on Zakat, Hadith 664) reveals two profound spiritual benefits of charitable giving (sadaqah) that protect the believer in this life and the hereafter.

Extinguishing Divine Anger

Charity serves as water extinguishes fire - it cools the anger of the Almighty. When a servant gives charity sincerely for Allah's pleasure, this act of obedience becomes a means of attaining divine mercy and forgiveness.

Scholars explain that charity atones for sins and misdeeds that provoke Allah's displeasure. Just as water cleanses physical impurities, charity purifies the soul from spiritual stains.

Protection from Evil Death

"Evil death" (sū' al-khatimah) refers to dying in a state of disobedience or without faith. Charity creates a spiritual shield around the believer, safeguarding their final moments.

The continuous practice of charity plants seeds of faith that bear fruit at life's conclusion. Many early scholars noted that those regularly giving charity often received the blessing of a good ending (husn al-khatimah).

Practical Implementation

This hadith encourages Muslims to make charity a consistent practice, not merely an occasional act. Even small, regular donations are more beloved to Allah than large, infrequent ones.

The wisdom here teaches that charity should be given during health and strength, not delayed until death approaches, to maximize its protective benefits throughout one's lifetime.