Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:
"If I had gold equal to Mount Uhud (in weight), it would not please me to pass three nights and I have a thing of it left with me, except what I retain for repayment of a debt".
(Bukhari, Tamanni 2, Isti’dhan 30, Riqaq l4; Muslim, Zakah 31)
Explanation: A person who obtains money and property and becomes rich must pay his debt first. Paying of one’s debt is more important than and prior to charity. Therefore, it is not forbidden to accumulate wealth and property in our religion on the condition that one gives zakah (alms/charity) of it. In addition, spending the wealth in the way of Allah gains man great thawabs. Many verses of the Quran and hadiths of the Prophet encourage Muslims to spend their wealth in the way of Allah. However, it is recommended that this spending must not make a person and his family poor or needy.
WHAT WE HAVE LEARNED FROM THE HADITH:
1. The Prophet did not fear poverty and he did not value the world and worldly possessions.
2. Man should be able to spend his wealth when is healthy.
3. Sensitivity to one’s debt is one of the duties that a Muslim should pay attention to.
(Riyadus-Salihin - Imam Nawawi Translation and Explanation: Prof. Dr. M. Yaşar Kandemir, Prof. Dr. İsmail Lütfi Çakan, Asst. Prof. Raşit Küçük)
