Q 3: I support four children and my mother as well. I have sufficient income, so we live in luxury and save some, all praise be to Allah. However, I am confused as to how I can dispose of these savings. When I think about my life and the life of my children, I make up my mind that I should save a lot of money for the future. As my children grow up, their education and marriage expenses will increase. I remember here the Hadith reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him) when he told the man who came to bequeath all his property: "... For you would better leave your inheritors wealthy than leave them poor, begging of others." When I read Islamic magazines that raise funds for Muslims in need of money, I say: "I should donate for my Muslim brethren." Meanwhile, I ponder on the behavior of the early Muslims who did not save much money for their future. Muslims should put their trust in Allah and be sure that Allah is able to guarantee their future and their children's as well.I then ask, could you guide me as to how I can leave off excessiveness and negligence? And is there a limit proportion or rule within which one spends and saves? May Allah reward you with the best!

A 3: We advise you to follow the example of the Prophet (peace be upon him) when he advised Hakim ibn Hizam (may Allah be pleased with him) and told him: The upper hand is better than the lower hand. One should start giving first to (Part No. 8; Page No. 281) his dependents. And the best object of Sadaqah (voluntary charity) is that which is given by a wealthy person (from the money which is left after his expenses). And whoever abstains from asking others for some financial help, Allah will make them contented; and whoever are satisfied with what they have, Allah will make them self-sufficient. (Agreed upon by Al-Bukhari and Muslim) The upper hand is the one that gives, and the lower hand is the one that takes.However, one is not allowed to bequeath over one third of his property for non-inheritors when he is stricken with a fearful illness. It was authentically reported on the authority of Sa`d ibn Abu Waqqas (may Allah be pleased with him) that he asked the Prophet during his illness whether to bequeath all his property, half of it or one third of it. The Prophet (peace be upon him) answered him to bequeath one third only.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.