Juz 2

One topic that stood out to me reading this juz was the topic of charity.

I often find myself grappling between donating to charity and saving for the future. You read examples of Abu Bakr RA donating all his wealth or Umar RA half his wealth, and Ayahs where Allah promises charity will not go to waste...but then there is balance where Allah tells the Prophet SAW to tell the sahabah to donate 'whatever you can spare' (2:219).

This Juz depicts the thoughts going on in my own head. We are encouraged to give, and told everything you give will be known and recompensed by Allah. But the sunnah of the Prophet in the implementation of this was always practical. No one was ever held to the same standards of Abu Bakr RA, because he was unique in his standing. The Prophet SAW turned away similar requests from others who he knew would not be able to handle the consequences.

So walking this line between being financially irresponsible in overspending vs miserly and tight fisted, starts with an honest look and discussion with myself..

What's my intention behind wanting to donate/save? What's my financial responsibility? What's my current financial situation? How much do I absolutely need to get by, and how much complete surplus do I have?

Answering these questions will insha'Allah help me start to better understand what I can 'spare'. But regardless, I know that whatever I do, it's 'certainly well known to God.' (2:215)