Understanding The Prophet's Life
From Issue: 674 [Read full issue]
Small Charity
"If someone gives in charity the equivalent of a date from his lawful and good earnings - and Allah only accepts what is lawful and good - Allah will take it in His right hand and raise it for its giver, in the same way that one of you raises his small colt, until it becomes similar to a mountain." (Bukhari)
This hadith demonstrates how pleased Allah is with a person's sadaqa. It also demonstrates that the amount that is given does not have to be large. A person may not have much that he can give in charity. However, that does not matter. He should still be willing to give in charity for there will be a great reward for him, Allah willing. Indeed, the little that he is able to give in charity may be enough to protect him from the Hell-fire. The Prophet, peace be upon him, advised his Companions and all Muslims by saying, "Protect yourselves from the Fire, even if by just half a date [given in charity]." (Bukhari, Muslim)
In fact, depending upon a person's situation and his desire to please Allah by giving charity, a small amount of charity may be rewarded in a greater fashion than a large amount of charity.
Compiled From:
"Commentary on the Forty Hadith of al-Nawawi" - Jamaal al-Din M. Zarabozo, p. 887