After Fajr

Main Topic

An explanation of a Hadith narrated by Sayyidina Abu Hurairah (R.A.) highlighting three foundational traits of a believer: giving charity (sadaqah) without fear of wealth diminishing, forgiving others to gain honor, and adopting humility for the sake of Allah Ta'ala.

Key Lessons

• Wealth Does Not Decrease by Giving Charity: Just as exercising and shedding unhealthy weight makes the body healthy, taking out Zakat and optional charity purifies and keeps wealth spiritually healthy.
• Sadaqah Applies to All: Charity is not only for the extremely wealthy; spending even a small amount—or feeding birds, animals, and Allah Ta'ala's creation—serves as sadaqah.
• Forgiveness Brings True Honor: Overlooking the mistakes of others, asking for forgiveness early, and walking away from arguments or financial disputes increases a person's honor (izzat) in the sight of Allah Ta'ala and people.
• Humility Raises One's Rank: True Taqwa and knowledge produce deep humility, following the example of Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam), who was accessible to everyone.
• Clearing the Heart: Carrying malice, grudges, or unresolved bad feelings hinders a person's spiritual progress.

Quranic/Hadith References

• Hadith of Abu Hurairah (R.A.): Wealth is not diminished by charity, Allah Ta'ala increases the honor of one who forgives, and whoever humbles himself for Allah, Allah raises his status.
• Hadith on Protection from the Fire: Protect yourselves from the fire of Jahannam even if it be with half a date.
• Hadith of the Poor Sahaba (R.A.): The poor Sahaba expressed envy that wealthy Sahaba earned rewards through charity; Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) taught them to read SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, and Allahu Akbar 33 times after obligatory Salah.
• Narration of Sayyidina Umar (R.A.): During his final moments, Sayyidina Umar (R.A.) asked his son to place his cheek on the dust out of humility before Allah Ta'ala.

Practical Advice

• Develop a daily habit of giving something in charity, such as feeding animals or setting aside small daily sadaqah before starting business.
• Resolve personal, domestic, and financial disputes early by forfeiting one's rights or asking for forgiveness rather than engaging in prolonged conflict.
• Maintain an approachable and humble demeanor at home with family and at work with employees, avoiding harshness and pride.