Question

What is the reference for this narration?

“When a man spends on his family and hopes to be rewarded for it, it is charity for him.”

Answer

Imam Bukhari and Imam Muslim (rahimahumallah) have recorded this narration on the authority of Sayyiduna Abu Mas’ud (radiyallahu ‘anhu).

(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 55 and Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 1002)

Hafiz Ibn Hajar (rahimahullah) quotes ‘Allamah Qurtubi (rahimahullah) who says, “We learn from this Hadith that a person will only be rewarded for spending on his family if he has an intention of carrying out an act of virtue.”

(Fathul Bari, Hadith: 55)

A person generally spends on his family to fulfill his obligation without anticipating reward. We should keep this Hadith in mind and anticipate reward even when purchasing basic necessities for one’s family.

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar