Giving zakah with the intention of growing the wealth and blessing in it, rather than with the intention of obedience
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Your Eminence, Shaykh! Some people say: I do not give zakah on my wealth, nor do I give charity, except with the intention of growing this wealth and blessing in it. What is your guidance?
There is nothing wrong with it; but his intention—in reality—is very late. Otherwise, Allah has already drawn attention to the intention of these things,Noah said to his people: [Nuh:10-12], this is what He mentioned to them, intending to encourage them to do this for this reason; but their intention is deficient, without a doubt.
Then the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: (Charity does not decrease wealth) He encourages people.
And he said, more clearly than this: (Whoever loves to be extended in his lifespan and expanded in his provision, let him maintain his family ties).
So Allah (Mighty and Majestic) did not make these worldly benefits anything but an encouragement for people. And if they are encouraged by them, they will intend them; but if one intends the Hereafter, he will obtain the worldly life.As Allah the Exalted said: [Al-Shura:20] meaning: We give him the worldly life and the Hereafter.
There is nothing wrong with it; but his intention—in reality—is very late. Otherwise, Allah has already drawn attention to the intention of these things,Noah said to his people:
(10) And said, 'Ask forgiveness of your Lord. Indeed, He is ever a Perpetual Forgiver. (11) He will send [rain from] the sky upon you in [continuing] showers (12) And give you increase in wealth and children and provide for you gardens and provide for you rivers.
اسْتَغْفِرُوا رَبَّكُمْ إِنَّهُ كَانَ غَفَّاراً * يُرْسِلِ السَّمَاءَ عَلَيْكُمْ مِدْرَاراً * وَيُمْدِدْكُمْ بِأَمْوَالٍ وَبَنِينَ وَيَجْعَلْ لَكُمْ جَنَّاتٍ وَيَجْعَلْ لَكُمْ أَنْهَاراًThen the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: (Charity does not decrease wealth) He encourages people.
And he said, more clearly than this: (Whoever loves to be extended in his lifespan and expanded in his provision, let him maintain his family ties).
So Allah (Mighty and Majestic) did not make these worldly benefits anything but an encouragement for people. And if they are encouraged by them, they will intend them; but if one intends the Hereafter, he will obtain the worldly life.As Allah the Exalted said: