Allah, the Exalted, says:
“As for him who gives (in charity) and keeps his duty to Allah and fears Him, and believes in Al-Husna. We will make smooth for him the path of ease (goodness).” (92:5-7)
“And Al-Muttaqun (the pious and righteous) will be far removed from it (Hell). He who spends his wealth for increase in self-purification. And who has (in mind) no favour from anyone to be paid back. Except to seek the Countenance of his Rubb, the Most High. He surely, will be pleased (when he will enter Jannah).” (92:17-21)
“If you disclose your Sadaqat (alms-giving), it is well; but if you conceal them and give them to the poor, that is better for you. (Allah) will expiate you some of your sins. And Allah is Well-Acquainted with what you do.” (2:271)
“By no means shall you attain Al-Birr (piety, righteousness – here it means Allah’s reward, i.e., Jannah), unless you spend (in Allah’s Cause) of that which you love; and whatever of good you spend, Allah knows it well.” (3:92)
The whole concept of wealth is considered a gift from Allah. How we use it and spend it is a test. The fact the one of the five pillars of Islam is about giving money to the poor reminds us that everything we have belongs to Allah. People are given their wealth as a trust from Allah, an amanat, and spending it in the right way, with the right intentions, for the best purpose, and for the sake of Allah helps free us from the love of money.
Subhannallah, think of all the things we spend our money on in this day and age. Many times we spend it without thinking, and on many items of excess. And yet, when we see people in front of us in need of money, many times our hearts harden and we shrug a shoulder to them. This is not the way of the muslim. We are the ummah of the best of creation. Our Beloved Rasool gave openly and without regret when he saw causes in need, even though he himself was not rich.
Nowadays it isn’t even a question about charity and giving generously. What are we spending our money on for ourselves is a question which ought to be asked. Are we spending it in the seeking of virtuous knowledge? Are we spending it in ways that will help us get closer to our goal, which is Allah? Are we spending it on quality? Or is it all being spent on things which will help us only with the distraction which is the dunya? On entertainment and play? Moderation is something we ought to remember as we think about this. Sure we need to spend for this dunya too, we are alive afterall but this shouldnt be our main goal. This shouldnt be our only cause. Many of us are begining to forget the bigger picture.
Yet as the Quran tells us, we will not lose out if we spend consciously in the way of Allah. In the world we live in now, our nafs will probably hurt for a little while when we spend generously for the cause of Allah. Yet, Allah has promised a much greater award. Subhannallah, what is better than the rewards from our Lord? He does not need us, we need Him.