{"_id":"682759304710f43a832de957","title":"{\"ops\":[{\"insert\":\"Am I sinful if I reduce how much I give in charity?\\n\"}]}","question":"{\"ops\":[{\"insert\":\"For many years, every month, I spent a specific amount for charity. Without my income changing, I have started feeling like I might be spending too much on charity. I wish I had built up to that amount instead of starting with it.\\n\\nIf I lessen the amount, is this a sin? I’m worried I’m becoming greedy and selfish, but I also sometimes think I shouldn’t have done the same amount every month and instead it should’ve been inconsistent so it felt more genuine than a duty.\\n\\nI also wonder if I am thinking too much about spending the specific amount, and maybe it’s not that serious. Regardless, I feel guilty because we should believe in the Hadith that charity does not decrease wealth. \\n\\nPlease also let me know if there is any dua I can read to get out of this mindset, I have always loved helping people, but I am never sure if my help even reaches them so I’ve become a bit discouraged. \\n\\n\"}]}","answer":"{\"ops\":[{\"attributes\":{\"underline\":true,\"bold\":true},\"insert\":\"Is it a sin to reduce your monthly charity?\"},{\"insert\":\"\\nNo, it is not a sin to reduce the amount you give voluntarily (ṣadaqah).\\n\\nCharity outside of obligatory zakāh is completely voluntary. You are rewarded for whatever you give — whether large or small — based on your intention, your sincerity, and your situation. Allah says:\\n\\n\"},{\"attributes\":{\"italic\":true,\"bold\":true},\"insert\":\"\\\"Allah does not burden a soul beyond what it can bear.\\\" [Qur'an \"},{\"attributes\":{\"link\":\"https://quran.com/en/2/286\",\"italic\":true,\"bold\":true},\"insert\":\"2:286\"},{\"attributes\":{\"italic\":true,\"bold\":true},\"insert\":\"]\"},{\"insert\":\"\\n\\nIf you feel that the amount you initially chose is becoming heavy or stressful, it is better to adjust to something sustainable than to continue out of guilt or fear and then risk resentment or burnout. The Prophet ﷺ said: \"},{\"attributes\":{\"italic\":true},\"insert\":\"\\\"The most beloved deeds to Allah are those that are consistent, even if they are small.\\\"\"},{\"insert\":\"\\n\\nConsistency in a way that matches your heart and your capacity is better than forcing yourself into something that feels burdensome.\\n\\n\"},{\"attributes\":{\"underline\":true,\"bold\":true},\"insert\":\"Are you being greedy or selfish by adjusting?\"},{\"insert\":\"\\nFrom what you have written, no, you are not being greedy or selfish. You are being self-aware and trying to keep your charity sincere and heartfelt, not mechanical. That is a sign of sincerity, not selfishness. It's important not to let the devil plant whispers of guilt when you're trying to make honest adjustments for the sake of being more genuine and sustainable in your good deeds.\\n\\n\"},{\"attributes\":{\"underline\":true,\"bold\":true},\"insert\":\"Is thinking about it too much a problem?\"},{\"insert\":\"\\nIt’s natural to reflect and want to be sure you’re doing the right thing. However, when overthinking leads to unnecessary guilt or paralysis instead of growth, then it’s better to trust Allah's mercy, make a choice with a clear heart, and move forward without overburdening yourself.\\n\\n\"},{\"attributes\":{\"underline\":true,\"bold\":true},\"insert\":\"What about the hadith, \\\"Charity does not decrease wealth\\\"?\"},{\"insert\":\"\\nYou are absolutely right in that the Prophet ﷺ promised \"},{\"attributes\":{\"italic\":true},\"insert\":\"\\\"Charity does not decrease wealth...\\\" \"},{\"insert\":\"However, remember, the \\\"decrease\\\" isn’t about seeing a bigger number in the bank right away. Sometimes Allah preserves your wealth by protecting you from hardships, or putting barakah in what you already have, or rewarding you in the next life far beyond anything money could buy here.\\n\\nGiving less does not mean you doubt the hadith. It means you are adjusting your personal routine to something that feels more genuine and sustainable, while still trusting that any charity you give, big or small, never goes to waste with Allah.\\n\\nA duʿā’ to help your heart:\\n\\nYou can say:\\n\\t⁠اللَّهُمَّ اجعل حُبَّك أحبَّ إليَّ من نفسي وأهلي ومالي ومن الماء البارد.\\n\\t⁠\"},{\"attributes\":{\"italic\":true},\"insert\":\"\\\"O Allah, make Your love more beloved to me than myself, my family, my wealth, and even cold water.\\\"\"},{\"insert\":\"\\n\\nAlso:\\n\\t⁠اللَّهُمَّ ارزقني قلبًا سليمًا، وعملًا متقبلًا، ورزقًا واسعًا.\\n\\t\"},{\"attributes\":{\"italic\":true},\"insert\":\"⁠\\\"O Allah, grant me a sound heart, accepted deeds, and ample provision.\\\"\"},{\"insert\":\"\\n\\nMay Allah keep your heart generous, your deeds accepted, and your soul light with hope and tawakkul.\\n\"}]}","tags":[{"_id":"682759304710f43a832de955","tag":"Charity","count":1}],"createdOn":"2025-05-16T15:26:40.792Z"}