A wealthy man is keen on fasting, so I directed him to the act of worship of spending. Is my action correct, and is there any guidance?

Question:
He says: I mentioned to some of the nobles, and he was among the wealthy, that he was keen on voluntary fasting. So I said to him, "What you are doing is good, but you have a type of worship other than this, which is spending." Is what I said to him correct? And is there any guidance?

Answer:
Yes, what you said to him is correct, because the avenues of good are many and not limited to voluntary fasting. In fact, the avenues of good are many, and charity contains much good because its benefit extends to others. As for fasting, its benefit is limited to the one fasting only. Therefore, the reward of charity for the needy is greater and stronger than voluntary fasting or voluntary prayer. Deeds differ in degree according to their benefit and their effects. And Allah (Exalted and Majestic is He) says: . So charity for the needy and the poor, relieving the distress of the afflicted, helping the desperate, and paying off the debts of those who are unable to pay are better than other voluntary acts of worship that are specific to their doer, whose reward is limited to the doer and whose benefit is restricted to the doer. May Allah reward you and do you good.